Grayson’s Death and Police Reform | Durham News

Durham News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 24, 2026 · 1m

Former Illinois sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson, convicted of killing Sonya Massey in a July 2024 shooting that sparked national outcry over police use of force, has died while serving his 20-year sentence. Massey had called 911 reporting a prowler; bodycam footage showed her crouching and apologizing before Grayson fired. His defense claimed he feared she might throw hot water at him — a claim contradicted by the other deputy on scene, who testified Massey posed no threat. The case led to the passage of the Sonya Massey Act, mandating deeper background checks for law enforcement hires…