Ruling on Sean Grayson pretrial release in Sonya Massey murder case expected in coming months, Illinois Supreme Court says
Share and Follow

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) — The Illinois Supreme Court told ABC News that it’s not clear exactly when a ruling will be available on Sean Grayson’s appeal.

Grayson, a former Sangamon County, Illinois sheriff’s deputy, wants to be released from jail, where he’s awaiting trial on murder charges.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

He’s accused of killing Sonya Massey in her Springfield home last summer.

The supreme court hearing had ended by early Wednesday afternoon.

A ruling will happen in the coming months.

READ MORE | Ex-deputy who fatally shot Sonya Massey was discharged from the Army for serious misconduct

Illinois Assistant Attorney General Michael Cebula is prosecuting the case. He told the court Grayson could not be trusted to re-enter society on pretrial release because of the “terrible judgement” he displayed when shooting Massey, even though she never posed a reasonable threat.

Deborah Pugh, Grayson’s attorney, told the panel of judges that her client has never given the court a reason to believe that he would defy any orders for his pre-trial release, noting his compliance to all court orders since the beginning of his case.

Grayson’s lawyers also say he needs to be out of jail for cancer treatments.

Grayson’s trial is scheduled to start in October in Peoria.

SEE ALSO | Audio recordings reveal deputy involved in Sonya Massey killing was scolded by previous supervisor

It was moved due to intense publicity, a judge ruled previously.

Grayson, 30, faces charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct for the July 6, 2024, shooting of Massey, 36, who had called 911 to report a suspected prowler. It has garnered international attention as an example of police shootings involving people of color.

The Associated Press and ABC News contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Cullman’s Roy Drinkard, Oldest Living U.S. Marine, Celebrates 105th Birthday

Cullman’s Roy Drinkard, the Oldest Living U.S. Marine, Turns 105 Years Old

Congressman Aderholt honors 105-year-old Marine veteran Roy Drinkard with a Capitol flag…
Christie says Trump 'benefited' from Epstein conspiracy theories

Christie Claims Trump Gained Advantage from Epstein Conspiracy Narratives

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R), an outspoken critic of President…
KENNEDY: My run-in with Sofia Vergara that proves Tom Brady is right

KENNEDY: My Unexpected Encounter with Sofia Vergara That Supports Tom Brady’s Perspective

Tom Brady and Sofia Vergara set off five alarm gossip bells last…

Historic Lodge at Grand Canyon Lost to Wildfire: Officials Say

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — A historic lodge on the Grand Canyon’s North…
USS The Sullivans returns after 8-month deployment, reunite with loved ones

USS The Sullivans Returns After 8-Month Deployment to Emotional Reunion with Loved Ones

The USS The Sullivans returns home after an eight-month deployment, reuniting with…
Kanye West slams ex-assistant's 'absurd' sexual assault claims

Kanye West Denies Former Assistant’s ‘Outrageous’ Allegations of Sexual Assault

Kanye West has responded to the revised lawsuit from his former assistant,…
Andrew Cuomo to run as independent in NYC Mayor's race, with a proposal

Andrew Cuomo Announces Independent Candidacy for NYC Mayor with New Proposal

() Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is expected to announce this…

Wildfire Destroys Historic Lodge at Grand Canyon: Authorities Report

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) A historic lodge on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim…