Legal professionals gave their opening statements to a jury on the Peoria County Courthouse on Wednesday morning, formally kicking off the trial of a former Illinois deputy accused of fatally taking pictures Sonya Massey.
Sean Grayson, 31, shot Massey, a 36-year-old Black mom of two, in June 2024 after she known as authorities to her Springfield residence a few potential prowler. The previous Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy, who’s white, stated in a report written after the incident that he feared bodily hurt as a result of Massey was holding a pot of boiling water and stated, “I rebuke you within the title of Jesus.”
Practically two weeks later, Grayson was fired and charged with first-degree homicide, one rely of aggravated battery and one rely of official misconduct. He pleaded not responsible and was held in jail pending trial.
On Tuesday, the aggravated battery and official misconduct expenses have been dropped on the request of the prosecutors with no objection from the protection, in keeping with the court docket docket.
Jury choice started Monday when a jury of 10 girls and 5 males was chosen. No cameras are allowed within the courtroom.
John Milhiser, the state’s legal professional for Sangamon County, stated in his opening assertion that Grayson didn’t activate his physique digital camera that evening, which is a part of a sample of not following insurance policies or coaching. He stated Grayson shot Massey as a result of he was indignant.
“It will likely be clear that the defendant, with out lawful justification, within the residence of Sonya Massey, the defendant shot and killed Sonya Massey as a result of he was mad at her,” Milhiser advised the court docket.
Grayson’s legal professional, Daniel L Fultz, stated in his opening assertion that proof will present that the previous deputy lawfully discharged his weapon and acted to guard his life.
“He believed he would endure nice bodily hurt or demise,” he stated.
He stated that Grayson had warned Massey to place down the pot of water earlier than firing his weapon.
“What occurred to Ms. Massey was a tragedy, however it was not a criminal offense,” Fultz stated.
Grayson appeared in court docket sporting a black go well with and glasses. He typically rocked backwards and forwards in his chair and glanced on the courtroom gallery, the place media and members of Massey’s household have been seated.
Massey’s killing triggered a nationwide response, igniting protests throughout the nation. Protesters gathered outdoors the courthouse Monday to name for justice for Massey, who had psychological well being points, in keeping with her household.
Her demise raised new questions on U.S. regulation enforcement shootings of Black people in their homes and it prompted a change in Illinois law requiring fuller transparency on the background of candidates for regulation enforcement jobs.
The trial is anticipated to final every week and a half.
Minyvonne Burke contributed.
