Murder trial date for Sean Grayson announced

Posted on April 23, 2025
A Macon County Sheriff’s Office mugshot of Sean Grayson was taken on Oct. 24. Grayson, a former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy, is charged with the first-degree murder of Sonya Massey, an unarmed Black woman. (Photo courtesy: Macon County Jail)

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — A judge has announced the trial start date for the former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy accused of the murder of Sonya Massey.

Sean Grayson’s murder trial is set to start Oct. 20. It will take place at the Peoria County Courthouse.Illinois Sen.’s Sonya Massey bills advance through committee

In July, Grayson and his partner responded to Sonya Massey’s 911 call after she said she saw a prowler near her house. Body camera footage shows when Grayson shot Massey, a Black woman, in the head after she moved a pot of boiling water from her stove.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

WMBD TV can be reached at [email protected].

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