Opening statements in Peoria murder trial of former Sangamon County deputy

Opening statements were set to begin this week in Peoria in the murder trial of a former Sangamon County deputy accused of fatally shooting a Black woman in her Springfield home after she called 911 for help on July 6, 2024. Sean Grayson, 31, has pleaded not guilty to charges tied to the death of 36 year old Sonya Massey, who was shot after an encounter with deputies who had responded to a report of a possible prowler.

Prosecutors say body camera footage and witness accounts show Grayson confronted Massey about a pan of hot water on her stove, ordered it removed, and then shot her during a brief, escalating exchange. According to prosecutors, Grayson fired three times, striking Massey just below the left eye. The state has charged him with first degree murder; court filings indicate prosecutors previously dismissed separate counts of aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct. If convicted on the murder counts, Grayson faces a sentence of 45 years to life in prison.

During opening statements, Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser told jurors the video would show Massey was not a threat and that Grayson departed from his training in using deadly force....