Former Sangamon County Deputy, accused of killing Sonya Massey, appears in court

Posted on August 26, 2024
Raymond Massey (left), Sonya Massey’s uncle, also talked to reporters. (Photo courtesy: Dave Dahl/File)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Monday morning saw a brief status hearing in the case of Sean Grayson, the former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy accused of murder in the July 6 shooting death of Sonya Massey, a Black woman, in her Springfield home. Grayson is white.

Grayson’s lawyers are appealing a judge’s order to keep Grayson in custody. The defense is also preparing a position on the judge’s ruling against cameras and microphones in court.

Grayson and lawyer Dan Fultz appeared via video from the Menard County jail in Petersburg, where Grayson is being held.

One defense lawyer, Mark Wyckoff, cautioned reporters not to hold their breath waiting for the motions and appeals to be sorted out: “It’s a serious matter,” said Wyckoff. “No serious matter is going to be resolved in ninety days.”

Raymond Massey, Sonya Massey’s uncle, also talked to reporters: “Nothing happened today that wasn’t expected. Our family will be here every” court date, he said.

The next court date is Oct. 21.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].

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