Former deputy convicted of murdering Sonya Massey at her Springfield-area home denied early release

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Sean Grayson, the former Illinois sheriff's deputy who was convicted of second-degree murder in the fatal 2024 shooting of Sonya Massey, was on Friday denied early release by a prisoner review board.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

"I am writing to confirm that the Board voted 3-0 to deny Sean Grayson's medical release application," an Illinois Prisoner Review Board spokesperson said in a statement to ABC News. "He will remain in custody."

Grayson had asked for an early release because he has cancer. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison in January, after his conviction last October.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.