Opening statements begin Wednesday in trial of ex-Illinois officer who killed Sonya Massey

"Sean Grayson, 31, a former deputy for the Sangamon County Sheriff's Department in central Illinois, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder. On July 6, 2024, Massey, a 36-year-old single mother of two teenagers who struggled with mental health issues, called emergency responders over a suspected prowler. When Grayson, who is white, and another deputy entered her Springfield home to report finding no one, Grayson noticed a pan of hot water on the stove and ordered it removed."

"According to body-camera video that is certain to play a key role in the trial, Grayson and Massey joked about how the deputy backed away as she moved the pan before Massey said, "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus." Grayson later told sheriff's investigators he thought Massey's statement meant she intended to kill him, yelled at her to drop the pot and in the subsequent commotion, fired three shots, striking her just below the eye."

"If convicted of murder, Grayson faces a sentence of 45 years to life in prison. Prosecutors dismissed single counts of aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct. A jury of 10 women and five men, including three alternates, will hear testimony that's predicted to end next week. The questioning of prospective jurors on Monday by Sangamon County State's Attorney John Milhiser and defense attorney Daniel Fultz focused on attitudes toward law enforcement during a volatile time in America."

Sean Grayson, 31, a former Sangamon County deputy, pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey. On July 6, 2024, Massey, 36, called emergency responders about a suspected prowler; deputies entered her Springfield home and noticed a pan of hot water on the stove. Grayson and Massey exchanged remarks before Massey said, "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus," and Grayson fired three shots, striking her below the eye. Body-camera video will be key evidence. If convicted, Grayson faces 45 years to life. The incident prompted Illinois changes requiring greater transparency in law enforcement hiring.

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