PEORIA, Ill. (WLS) — Opening statements are expected Wednesday in the trial of Sean Grayson.
The former Sangamon County deputy is charged with shooting and killing Sonya Massey in her home.
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Grayson pled not guilty to three-counts of first degree murder.
It’s been 15 months since Grayson allegedly shot and killed Massey in her Springfield home.
On July 6, 2024, Massey, who struggled with mental health issues, allegedly called 911 for help, over a suspected prowler.
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Grayson and another deputy entered her home to report finding no one.
The former deputy allegedly noticed a pan of hot water on the stove and ordered it removed.
That’s when Massey allegedly moved the pan before Grayson and said, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” before the former deputy yelled at her to drop the pot.
Grayson then fired three shots at Massey.
Following the deadly shooting, Governor JB Pritzker signed a new law requiring stricter hiring practices for law enforcement.
The move came after officials revealed Grayson held six different law enforcement jobs over four years, along with two DUIs on his record before becoming an officer.
If convicted, Grayson could face 45 years in prison.
Given the attention of the case, a judge also ordered the trial to be moved from Springfield, where the killing happened, to Peoria.
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