Ex-Cop Claims Self-Defense in Murder Trial of Black Woman

PEORIA, Illinois — A former sheriff’s deputy, Sean Grayson, testified on Monday that he shot an unarmed Black woman, Sonya Massey, in self-defense during a police response to her home last year. The incident occurred on July 6, 2024, when Massey called 911 to report a prowler. Grayson faces three counts of first-degree murder for the shooting.

During his testimony, Grayson, 31, claimed he fired his weapon after Massey allegedly threatened him while holding a pot of boiling water. He described her remark about ‘rebuking him in the name of Jesus’ as unexpected. ‘It threw me off, it was out of nowhere,’ he stated in court.

Prosecutors presented body-worn camera footage that appeared to contradict Grayson’s account, showing Massey with her hands raised and apologizing just before the shooting. Grayson had reportedly yelled at her, saying he would ‘shoot her in her f***ing face.’ The footage raised doubts about Grayson’s justification for using deadly force.

Grayson explained that he believed his actions were necessary to match what he perceived as a threat. ‘We are trained to use force that will gain compliance… the only thing that would have stopped the threat was my duty weapon,’ he claimed.

Family members of Massey were present in the courtroom, including her mother and teenage son, who exhibited visible emotions during Grayson’s testimony. A legal expert testified that Grayson’s approach violated standard de-escalation tactics, suggesting he should have exited the house instead of closing in on Massey.

The incident sparked outrage, leading to protests in several cities and a $10 million settlement for Massey’s family from Sangamon County. The trial has drawn significant attention due to its racial components and the nationwide conversations about police conduct.

As the trial continues, closing arguments are expected on Tuesday, leaving the fate of Grayson in the hands of the jury. If convicted, he could face a lengthy prison sentence, possibly up to life.