Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Sean Grayson was to learn Friday if his request for a reduced sentence in the shooting death of Sonya Massey in 2024 would be granted.  But, it didn’t happen.

Sangamon County Judge Ryan Cadigan Friday granted a continuance in the case.

Grayson’s attorneys asked for the request citing their client’s ongoing cancer treatments.  He has cancer in the rectum, colon, liver, and lungs, and is being treated at an undisclosed location, and wasn’t able to attend Friday’s hearing.

Cadigan says Grayson has a right to be present for his own hearing.

Grayson was convicted in October, 2025, of Second Degree Murder, and was sentenced in January to the maximum 20 years in prison.  While originally charged with First Degree Murder in the case, the jury was given the option to find him guilty on the lesser charge.

The hearing will now be held May 8, 2026.