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Former deputy Sean Grayson faces trial on three counts of
first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and
official misconduct in connection with the shooting death of
Sonya Massey.
Massey called police on July 6 to report a prowler outside her
home. Grayson, who is white, shot an unarmed Massey in her
kitchen.
Massey threatened the deputy with a pot of boiling water, but
was not near the deputy, according to news reports. Massey was
experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of her death,
according to a family spokesperson.
Massey’s death raised questions about the hiring practices at
Sangamon County, eventually leading to a U.S. Justice Department
investigation.
The case drew national media attention. A civil wrongful death
case was settled in February for $10 million to Massey’s estate.
On Monday, the judge denied a motion requesting cameras in the
courtroom for the trial.
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