US EditionSheriff's Deputy 'Got Mad' And Fatally Shot Sonya Massey Without Justification, Prosecutor Says
The trial focuses on whether Deputy Sean Grayson acted lawfully when he shot Sonya Massey, who posed no threat during a July 2024 home confrontation, prosecutors said.
- On July 6, 2024, Sean Grayson, former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy, fatally shot Sonya Massey in her Springfield home and faces three counts of first-degree murder, pleading not guilty.
- Massey had called 911 about a prowler, and deputies entered her home where a dispute over the pot of hot water led Sean Grayson to fire three shots, striking her below the eye.
- Court showed unedited body camera footage that captures Massey saying `I rebuke you in the name of Jesus`, while Weston testified two casings were recovered shortly after the shooting and a third was retrieved weeks later.
- A state review found the shooting unjustified as Illinois State Police concluded, and Sean Grayson was fired shortly after his July 2024 indictment, prompting Illinois law changes on law enforcement hiring.
- The trial, relocated to Peoria amid national attention, uses a jury of nine white women, two white men and one Black man; testimony continues with courts resuming Thursday at 9 a.m.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Ex-cop charged with murdering Sonya Massey testifies his actions 'matched the threat level'
PEORIA — A white ex-cop charged with murdering an unarmed Black woman in her Springfield area home last year testified Monday that he fired his gun in self-defense, and that his actions “matched the threat level.”Former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson is on trial for murder for killing 36-year-old Sonya Massey in her kitchen after she had called the police on July 6, 2024, to report a suspected prowler.This police shooting and the …
Outside the Courthouse: The Sean Grayson Trial Day 4
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — As day four of the Sean Grayson trial kicks off at the Peoria County Courthouse, people plan to make their return to the streets just outside. On Monday and Wednesday, a large crowd of people gathered to demand justice for Sonya Massey, who was shot and killed by Grayson on July 9, 2024, while responding to her call that someone was trying to break into her home. Another crowd is expected to show up outside the courthouse a…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
