SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson appeared in court on Friday, as the judge determined which evidence would be permissible in his trial next month.
Last summer, Sean Grayson, along with another deputy, responded to Sonya Massey’s 911 call after she reported seeing a prowler near her home. Body camera footage captured a tragic scene when Grayson shot Massey, a Black woman, in the head after she moved a pot of boiling water from her stove.
Grayson was charged with first-degree murder and fired from the Sheriff’s Office.
Several family members appeared in court, including Massey’s mother, father, son and daughter.
Judge Ryan Cadigan heard multiple motions from both prosecutors and Grayson’s defense.
The judge ruled that the defense cannot mention Sonya Massey’s mental health prior to her 911 call, and prosecutors are likewise barred from referencing Grayson’s past disciplinary issues at previous law enforcement agencies. This decision drew criticism from local activists.
“First impressions often leave a lasting impact,” stated Teresa Haley, the Illinois NAACP Director. “Jurors won’t have the chance to hear about his past experiences, but I believe the body camera footage provides enough context for them to make the right decision.”
The judge also rejected a motion intended to depict Sonya Massey as the aggressor due to her actions with the boiling pot of water, a decision that brought relief to her family. He sided with prosecutors, asserting that the jury could determine the initiator of the conflict from the body camera footage.
“They attempted to portray my daughter as an aggressor,” remarked James Wilburn, Sonya Massey’s father. “The judge dismissed that effort, recognizing that a self-defense situation can evolve, and he chose not to entertain that narrative.”
The family of Sonya Massey also said they are disappointed cameras will not be allowed in the court room during the trial.
The trial starts on Oct. 20 in Peoria. There will be another pre-trial hearing on Oct. 2.
