Attorneys for Sean Grayson drop cease and desist against Massey Commission

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Attorneys for Sean Grayson, the former sheriff's deputy accused of shooting and killing Sonya Massey inside her Sangamon County home, withdrew a motion in court Friday against the Massey Commission.

Attorney Mark Wykoff Sr. shared with WAND News the reason for the withdrawal.

"Sometimes matters resolve themselves before the need to seek court intervention," Wykoff said in a statement.

Grayson's attorneys asked a court Wednesday to order the Massey Commission to "cease and desist" from holding public forums about the case in Peoria. Grayson's trial, scheduled for October, was moved to Peoria due to extensive media coverage in Springfield.

Grayson is charged with the murder of Massey. The former Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy was seen on police body camera video shooting and killing Massey inside her home in July 2024. Massey had called police for help during an apparent mental health crisis.

WATCH | A WAND News Special: Sonya Massey One Year Later

The Massey Commission was formed by Sangamon County in September 2024 following her death to address systemic racism and mistrust in law enforcement and other helping professions. The commission, made up of citizens, has made a number of recommendations to county officials.

The Massey Commission also filed motions to the court asking the judge to dismiss the cease and desist against them by Grayson.

Wednesday's court filings by Grayson's defense team also included a motion that Grayson acted in self-defense and alleged Massey "directed an act of violence" against Grayson by throwing boiling water in his direction. The entire ordeal inside Massey's home was captured on police body camera.

Teresa Haley spoke on the motion for evidence about Sonya saying, "She was a young lady who had mental health issues. And this is not to say that all of us have someone in our family with mental health issues, but to bring that out and to be a reason to dismiss the case is disgusting. "

Massey's cousin, Sontae Massey, said regarding the trial being two and half months away, "It's going to be emotional, but, you know, we just have to keep fighting. We're not going to stop fighting. And I'm sure they're not going to stop throwing things out there to try to dismiss this case. We're more than willing to keep it going as long as it takes. "

When asked about people supporting and being outside the courthouse she said, "You know, everyone's seen the video and if you haven't seen it, we remind you to go see it again. This was so egregious that people, it's touched everyone. We want everyone to just take a look, make your own decisions. We know that we're on the right side of this, and we'll continue to fight. "

The court will take up additional evidence in the case at a Sept. 12 hearing.