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Jury Deliberates in High-Profile Trial of Ex-Deputy Accused of Murdering Woman in Her Home
PEORIA, IL – A jury began deliberations Tuesday in the emotional trial of a former Illinois sheriff’s deputy, Sean Grayson, who stands accused of fatally shooting Sonya Massey in her Springfield home. The incident, which occurred in July 2024, unfolded after Massey herself called 911 to report a possible intruder.
Grayson, a former Sangamon County deputy, is facing serious charges including first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct. He has pleaded not guilty to all counts. The trial, relocated to Peoria County due to extensive media attention, has been marked by starkly contrasting narratives presented by the prosecution and defense.
During closing arguments, Sangamon County Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Beth Rodgers did not mince words. “When you threaten to shoot someone in the face, and you do, that’s first-degree murder,” Rodgers stated, according to ABC affiliate WICS. She further asserted that Grayson’s claim of having no choice in shooting Massey was a “lie,” suggesting he “continued to lie over and over again on the stand,” including about attempting to activate his body camera.
Crucial to the prosecution’s case is body camera footage from Grayson’s partner. The video reportedly shows Grayson, who is white, inside Massey’s home, pointing to a pot of boiling water and remarking, “We don’t need a fire while we’re in here.” Massey, who is Black, is then seen pouring the water into the sink and telling the deputy, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.”
The footage then allegedly shows Grayson threatening to shoot Massey. Massey reportedly apologizes and ducks behind a counter, covering her face with what appears to be a red oven mitt. As she briefly rises, Grayson is seen shooting her three times in the face.
Rodgers emphasized the prosecution’s belief that Grayson’s fear was unfounded. “He wants you to believe that he was scared,” she told the jury.
“But you don’t have to believe that because it’s not true.” The assistant state attorney also highlighted Massey’s reported final words before being shot with her hands up: “I’m sorry.”
Conversely, Grayson’s defense attorney, Daniel Fultz, argued that while Massey’s death was a tragedy, it was “not a crime.” Fultz contended that “the outcome of this particular case was driven by Sonya Massey’s actions.” He stated that Grayson perceived Massey’s “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus” as a threat, and while the jury might not agree with that perception, it was Grayson’s belief at the time.
Fultz urged the jury to set aside personal feelings about Grayson, stating that their task was not to like him but to decide the case based on the evidence. “The thing you cannot do is let your emotions dictate the outcome of this case,” he advised.
In a powerful rebuttal, Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser echoed the defense’s call to avoid emotional decisions, but turned it back on the defendant. “Huh, that’s what happened,” Milhiser remarked, according to WICS. “The defendant let his emotions dictate the outcome of what happened in Sonya Massey’s kitchen.”
During the prosecution’s presentation, Grayson’s partner’s body camera footage of the shooting was played on a monitor, causing visible distress among Massey’s family members, some of whom cried or left the courtroom. Grayson reportedly leaned forward over a table, avoiding watching the monitor, while one juror was observed appearing to cry, attempting to hide behind a notepad. Milhiser also dramatically held up the pot of boiling water for the jury, calling it “this giant, dangerous pot.”
Grayson testified in his own defense on Monday, claiming he believed Massey was threatening him with the boiling water. He stated he did not use a taser due to it being an older model and concerns about its effectiveness through Massey’s layered clothing. However, prosecutors highlighted a “key distinction” in the body camera video, suggesting Massey did not appear to raise the pot until after Grayson raised his gun.
Grayson’s partner, who also testified, stated that he did not perceive Massey as a threat before Grayson discharged his weapon.
The jury, comprised of nine white women, one Black man, and two white men, along with three alternates, was seated after a more than five-hour selection process. Chief Circuit Judge Ryan Cadagin sent the jury to begin deliberations after the conclusion of closing arguments.