Jury Seated in Murder Trial of Former Deputy Sean Grayson

PEORIA, Ill. (AP) — A jury was seated on Monday in the murder trial of former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson, who faces charges in the shooting death of Sonya Massey. The trial is expected to begin with opening statements on Wednesday.

Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman, was shot in her Springfield home on July 6, 2024, after calling police to report a suspected prowler. Grayson, 31, is accused of using excessive force during the response. The jury, consisting of 10 women and five men, was selected from a pool of potential jurors who were asked about their views on law enforcement.

According to reports, Grayson confronted Massey about a pan of hot water she was handling. Body camera footage shows the moments leading up to the shooting, where Grayson requested Massey to drop the pot, resulting in confusion.

Security measures at the courthouse were heightened due to the case’s national attention, with snipers deployed on the rooftops and protests outside the courthouse as demonstrators called for an end to police violence.

Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser questioned jurors on their potential biases, especially concerning Grayson’s status as a police officer. Several jurors indicated they could remain impartial. Grayson has pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and other charges, including aggravated battery and official misconduct.

On the night of the incident, Massey had expressed fear and cited her mental health struggles. Her family has since criticized Grayson’s actions and is advocating for justice, hoping for a significant sentence if he is found guilty. If convicted, Grayson faces a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison.

State officials have enacted legislation aimed at improving background checks for law enforcement officers, following scrutiny of Grayson’s previous employment history. He worked a series of law enforcement jobs over six years, during which he faced criticism for various professional shortcomings.

The trial’s proceedings are expected to involve detailed examination of the body camera footage and expert testimony related to police training and use of force standards.