Illinois deputy who killed Sonya Massey denied medical release

A former Illinois sheriff's deputy convicted of killing Sonya Massey will not be granted early medical release from his two-decade prison sentence. Sean Grayson, diagnosed with advanced colon cancer, had sought early release due to his condition.

The Illinois prisoner review board voted unanimously on Friday to deny Grayson's application. Grayson, who is white, was convicted in October of second-degree murder for Massey's killing. The case drew protests over systemic racism and prompted a U.S. Justice Department review.

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To release Grayson under these circumstances would be a miscarriage of justice, and an insult to Sonya Massey’s memory and family.

Body-camera footage showed Grayson and another deputy entering Massey's Springfield home. Minutes later, Grayson shot the 36-year-old single mother in the face. At his January sentencing, Grayson apologized for Massey's death but later wrote in his release application that she had "attacked me with a pot of boiling water."

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The board recognized what this family has said from the start. No one is above accountability, and a badge does not provide an early way out.

Sangamon County State's Attorney John Milhiser opposed the release, stating Grayson's medical condition was already factored into his sentence. "To release Grayson under these circumstances would be a miscarriage of justice and an insult to Sonya Massey’s memory and family," he wrote.

Attorneys for Massey's family, Ben Crump and Antonio Romanucci, praised the board's decision. "The board recognized what this family has said from the start. No one is above accountability, and a badge does not provide an early way out," they said. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker also commented, calling Massey's killing a "profound loss" and a reminder of violence against innocent Black Americans.

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Sonya was innocent, unarmed, and calling law enforcement for help. It was a painful reminder that too many innocent Black Americans have faced this kind of violence – and they deserve justice.