A former Illinois sheriff’s deputy convicted of killing Sonya Massey will remain in prison after officials denied his request for early medical release.

Sean Grayson, who was sentenced to 20 years for second-degree murder, had sought release after his colon cancer spread to his liver and lungs.

The prisoner review board unanimously rejected the request, saying Massey’s death and the circumstances of the case outweighed his medical condition.

Grayson’s 2024 shooting of Massey, a Black woman who called police for help, sparked protests and renewed discussions about police accountability, The Guardian has reported.

Massey’s family and Illinois officials praised the decision, saying it upheld justice and accountability.