Story perspectives

Pritzker Signs Sonya Massey Act After Massey’s Killing

8/24/2026

Summary

Sean Grayson Dies

Sean Grayson, former Illinois sheriff’s deputy, died in prison while serving a 20-year sentence.
He was convicted of second-degree murder in October 2025 for shooting Sonya Massey in July 2024.
Grayson had Stage 4 colon cancer that spread to his liver, lungs and rectum.
The Illinois Prisoner Review Board denied his May request for early medical release in July.
Governor JB Pritzker signed the Sonya Massey Act, tightening law-enforcement background checks.

Summary

Jack Campbell Retires

The Department of Justice opened a civil-rights investigation after Massey’s death and secured a reform agreement.
The agreement requires extra training for officers handling behavioral-health crises and establishes a mobile crisis response program.
Sheriff Jack Campbell retired after Governor JB Pritzker pressured him following the federal probe.
Grayson’s employment history—six agencies, two DUIs and an Army discharge—was omitted from the murder trial, raising vetting concerns.

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Sean Grayson Dies

Sean Grayson, former Illinois sheriff’s deputy, died in prison while serving a 20-year sentence.
He was convicted of second-degree murder in October 2025 for shooting Sonya Massey in July 2024.
Grayson had Stage 4 colon cancer that spread to his liver, lungs and rectum.
The Illinois Prisoner Review Board denied his May request for early medical release in July.
Governor JB Pritzker signed the Sonya Massey Act, tightening law-enforcement background checks.

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