Trial Begins For Ex-Cop Who Killed Sonya Massey—Here’s What To Know

The trial of former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson, who fatally shot Sonya Massey, is set to begin this week, marking a critical moment in a case that has ignited national outrage and discussion about police accountability.

What happened to Sonya Massey?

The incident at the center of the trial occurred on July 6, 2024, when 36-year-old Sonya Massey, a Black woman from near Springfield, Illinois, called 911 to report a possible prowler outside her home. When deputies arrived and found nothing suspicious, Grayson entered Massey’s house. Body-camera footage shows him commenting on a pot of boiling water on the stove, telling Massey, “We don’t need a fire while we’re in here.” Moments later, Massey reportedly said, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” and Grayson yelled for her to put the pot down before firing three times, striking her below the left eye. Massey was unarmed and inside her own kitchen when she was killed. Grayson later claimed he feared for his life and that of his partner, but an investigation by the Illinois State Police determined that his use of deadly force was not justified. He was subsequently fired from the sheriff’s office and charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct.

The shooting quickly drew nationwide attention, largely because Massey had called police for help and was killed instead. The body-camera video, along with the circumstances surrounding the case, fueled intense outrage and calls for reform. Public scrutiny deepened when it was revealed that Grayson had a checkered background, including two prior DUI convictions and an Army discharge for misconduct, yet was still hired as a deputy just over a year before the shooting. In the months that followed, Illinois lawmakers introduced and passed new legislation to improve law-enforcement hiring standards and increase transparency around officers’ disciplinary histories. Meanwhile, the Massey family reached a reported $10 million settlement in a civil suit with Sangamon County, though the criminal trial now beginning in Peoria will determine Grayson’s personal culpability.

RELATED: What Is Senate Bill 1953: The Sonya Massey Bill?

Due to the high-profile nature of the case and the extreme media coverage in Springfield and Sangamon County, a judge approved a change of venue to Peoria County, where jury selection is beginning this week. Grayson has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and if convicted of first-degree murder, he could face 45 years to life in prison. Lawyers on both sides are expected to closely question prospective jurors about their views on law enforcement, racial bias, and the media coverage surrounding the case.

How long could the trial last?

The trial is expected to last about two weeks, with key testimony centered on the body-cam footage, use of force procedures, and Massey’s mental health background.

Beyond the courtroom, this trial has become a symbol of a bigger issue in policing, particularly how officers respond to calls for help from vulnerable individuals. It raises difficult questions about when deadly force is considered reasonable, how training influences split-second decisions, and how much responsibility law-enforcement agencies bear when hiring officers with prior misconduct. The outcome of this case will likely have ripple effects for police reform efforts in Illinois and beyond, serving as a test of accountability in a system still figuring out how to balance officer safety with the rights and lives of the citizens they serve.

Stay tuned for updates on the case in the coming weeks!

SEE ALSO:

Op-Ed: We Have To Keep Sonya Massey’s Name Alive

Justice For Sonya Massey: Activists Demand Killer Ex-Cop Stay In Jail After Sean Grayson’s Pre-Trial Release