Jury Begins Deliberations in Sonya Massey Murder Trial

Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO The murder trial of former Sangamon County Deputy Sean Grayson reached a critical point on Tuesday as the closing arguments wrapped up. Grayson faces charges of first-degree murder for the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey.

With arguments concluded, the jury has now taken on the responsibility of deliberating the case.

The incident dates back to July 2024, when a 911 call brought Grayson and his partner to Massey’s residence. Massey had called for help, fearing a potential break-in. A deadly encounter ensued following a dispute involving a pot of hot water.

While it is undisputed that Grayson fired the gun, the trial debates whether his actions were justified or not.

On Monday, Grayson testified on his own behalf, expressing concerns that Massey might have been under the influence of a substance. He admitted to not activating his body camera, a step his partner had taken upon arriving at the scene.

Grayson Testifies | Inside the Courtroom: Day 6 of the Sean Grayson Trial

“I took it as a threat. It raises a lot of concern for me, and i believed she was going to throw the water.”

The former deputy testified he did not believe a Taser would have worked. The defense rested their case after four witnesses took the stand. The prosecution did not call any rebuttal witnesses.

During the trial, prosecutors argued Grayson violated several Sangamon County Sheriff Office’s policies, including not turning on his body camera, two for personal conduct, and for improper use of force.

After the jury was sent home Monday, the prosecution and defense met to discuss jury instructions. One key instruction the judge is allowing will be for the jury to consider convicting Grayson of second-degree murder, a less-severe felony that would be punishable by four to 20 years in prison, far less than the minimum 45 years of first-degree murder, based on the way prosecutors charged the case.