Trial for ex-Illinois deputy accused of killing Sonya Massey to begin this week
Protesters gather for Sean Grayson trial in Peoria
Jury selection began Monday the Sean Grayson trial. The former Sangamon County deputy is charged with first-degree murder and official misconduct following the death of Sonya Massey.
PEORIA, Ill. - The former central Illinois deputy accused of fatally shooting Sonya Massey in her home last year is set to stand trial for murder starting this week.
Sean Grayson was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct for the July 6, 2024, shooting of Massey, an unarmed Black woman who had called 911 to report a suspected prowler. At the time, Grayson was a deputy for the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office.
Sonya Massey and Sean Grayson | Provided
The trial proceedings were set to begin in Peoria County on Monday. A judge ordered the change of venue from Sangamon County because of the intense publicity of the case.
If convicted, Grayson, 31, could face 45 years to life in prison for murder, six to 30 years for battery and two to five years for misconduct.
The killing of Sonya Massey
The backstory:
In the early morning hours of July 6, 2024, Massey called 911 to report a suspected prowler at her home near Springfield.
Police body camera footage confirmed prosecutors’ account of the tense moments when Grayson yelled across a counter at Massey to set down a pot of hot water.
Massey can be heard saying to the deputy, "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus."
Grayson responded, "You better f***ing not. I swear to God I’ll shoot you right in your f***ing face." He then aimed his 9mm pistol at her and told her to drop the pot.
Massey then ducked behind the counter
Grayson fired three times.
An unidentified deputy with Grayson then said he would get his medical kit, but Grayson said, "Nah [it’s] a headshot dude. She’s done. You can go get it, but that’s a headshot." He later said "There’s nothing we can do man."
***WARNING: The video below is graphic and disturbing. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.***
Video shows moments Illinois police officer fatally shoots Sonya Massey
Police shot and killed 36-year-old Sonya Massey in her home on July 6. ISP posted the body worn camera (BWC) on Monday after Sangamon County State?s Attorney John C. Milhiser and law enforcement consulted with Massey's family.
Grayson can then be heard saying, "Dude I’m not taking boiling water to the f***ing head."
One of the deputies can then be heard saying Massey was "still breathing but she’s losing a lot of blood from the head."
Grayson later relented while the other deputy held towels to Massey’s head to try to stem the bleeding. By the time Grayson returned with his kit, emergency medical professionals had arrived, and when they told Grayson his help wasn’t needed, he threw his kit on the floor and said, "I’m not even gonna waste my med stuff then."
After exiting the home and telling other officers he was "good" and that "this f***ing b***h is crazy."
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 30: Donna Massey, the mother of shooting victim Sonya Massey, wipes away tears during a press conference at New Mount Pilgrim Church on July 30, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Sonya Massey was shot in the head and killed in her h
Massey struggled with mental illness, according to her family. Her son, Malachi Hill Massey, 17, said that he and his 15-year-old sister had moved in with their father because Sonya Massey had admitted herself to a 30-day inpatient program in St. Louis just days before her death, but returned two days later with no explanation.
Earlier this year, Massey's family agreed to a $10 million settlement with Sangamon County. The settlement does not impact the criminal case against Grayson.