Court Proceedings Start Monday for Ex-Deputy Accused in Sonya Massey Case

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PEORIA, Ill. — It has been 15 months since the tragic incident in which Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson fatally shot Sonya Massey in her Springfield residence. As the trial commences on Monday, heightened security measures have been implemented in Peoria, where the proceedings will take place.

The decision to relocate the trial from Springfield to Peoria was made to ensure an unbiased jury, following concerns about impartiality. WCIA 3’s Brandon Merano is set to cover the trial extensively, providing in-depth reporting from Peoria.

The memory of Sonya Massey is being honored by her family and supported by the community, marking over a year since her untimely death.

The incident occurred on July 6, 2024, when Massey made a 911 call shortly after midnight, alarmed by noises she described as “banging on the side of [her] house.” Law enforcement responded and arrived at her home by 12:50 a.m.

However, the situation quickly deteriorated. Merely 31 minutes after the deputies’ arrival, Deputy Grayson discharged his service weapon, tragically striking Massey in the face as she stood at her stove, tending to a pot of boiling water.

“What else can we do? I’m not taking a pot of boiling water to the face,” he said.

Later, Grayson added that he thought “she set it up on purpose.” Body camera footage also captured Grayson asking if Massey had any history of being “10-96” — meaning that the subject needs a mental health response.

Records show Massey and her mother made four 911 calls regarding Massey’s mental health in the 48 hours leading up to the shooting.

At 1:47 a.m., — just under an hour from when deputies were dispatched — Massey is pronounced dead.

Neither side is disputing Grayson shot Massey. The prosecution will likely argue Grayson’s use of force was unjustified and Massey posed little or no threat. The defense will likely say that Grayson feared for his life and was acting in self defense.

Grayson has been in jail since, despite multiple hearings hoping to get him out before trial because of his health. He is charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct. The first-degree murder charge can carry a sentence of 20 years to life in prison. The aggravated battery charge could carry a sentence anywhere between six to 30 years, while the official misconduct charge could earn him between two to five years in prison.

Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser is prosecuting the case while defense attorneys Daniel Fultz and Mark Wykoff will represent Grayson.

Sangamon County Judge Ryan Cadigan will be presiding over the case. It was moved to Peoria County due to pretrial publicity in Springfield. Cadigan has already ruled most of Grayson’s past disciplinary history can’t be used as evidence, and the defense cannot bring up Sonya Massey’s mental health prior to calling 911. A jury of 12 will decide Grayson’s fate.