Sean Grayson Murder Trial

Sean Grayson sat in the courtroom, listening to the opening statements on the third day of the trial.

 Sketch Artist: Cliff Questel

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Sean Grayson, the former Sangamon County Deputy convicted of second-degree murder, sits in the Sangamon County Jail to await sentencing.

After a nearly two-week-long trial, a Peoria County jury, comprised of nine women and three men, convicted the 31-year-old of the shooting death of Sonya Massey inside her Springfield home in July 2024.

Below are updates from the WAND News team inside the courtroom. Make sure to refresh this page for new updates.

 

Defense asks for probation

9:56 a.m. Thursday, January 29 — Caryn Eisert  

Wykoff took the lead for the defense when addressing the court to argue Grayson’s sentencing. 

Wykoff placed his hand on Grayson’s shoulders throughout his argument. 

When it comes to Grayson’s sentence, Wykoff wants the judge to consider a community-based sentence, like probation.

He then reminded the judge that Grayson was acting in self-defense in July 2024. 

Wykoff argues Grayson has led a law adbiding life and wants to see Grayson sentenced to probation. 

Grayson will not be able to be a law enforcement officer and cannot own a firearm. 

Wykoff added that prison time would not be good for Grayson's health condition. He told the judge that Grayson was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. It has spread to his liver, and he has stage 4 cancer. He also has cancer in his lungs and rectal cancer. 

Grayson sat in a chair, not looking around, but looking forward. 

Prosecution calls for maximum sentence

9:32 a.m. Thursday, January 29 — Caryn Eisert  

Milhiser wants Grayson sentenced to 20 years, the maximum. He then walked the judge through the trial again. He detailed the moments of the shooting and pointed back to the body-camera video.

He also wanted the judge to consider that, after the shooting, Grayson did not provide any medical help. 

"It's absurd to think Sonya Massey produced this murder inside her kitchen," Milhiser said. 

Sonya Massey’s death rocked not only a family, community, and country. 

“We have to make sure it never happens again.”

Massey's mother takes the witness stand with tears in her eyes

9:27 a.m. Thursday, January 29 — Caryn Eisert  

Donna started her statement by telling the court she hasn't stopped crying. She also told the court she fears calling the police. 

Donna detailed nightmares she's had since Grayson killed her daughter. 

Her mother detailed her daughter's chronic illness and health battles. 

"Sonya would give you the shirt off her back," Donna said. 

As she fought back tears, Donna detailed the compassion her daughter had. She talked about the love she had for her family and children. 

Donna then looked directly at Grayson and said, "Sean Grayson, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus." 

Massey's father calls for federal prosecution 

 9:23 a.m. Thursday, January 29 — Caryn Eisert  

James Wilburn addressed the judge. He called out that Grayson has not shown any remorse for the deadly shooting. 

“My family will forever suffer,” he said. “They will forever be changed by this murderer.” 

Wilburn took the time on the stand to say that he is working on federal law to stop police killings from happening. He wants laws like the Massey Law in Illinois to be made at a federal level. 

He also called for federal prosecution and pointed to Grayson. 

"A violation of her civil rights," he said. 

Wilburn looked at Grayson while reading his victim impact statement, and he called for the maximum sentence. 

"May God have mercy on this defendant." 

Victim impact statement's begin

 9:18 a.m. Thursday, January 29 — Caryn Eisert  

Massey’s son took the stand. He didn’t look at Grayson, but told the court he didn’t know what to do. 

“Part of me is dead,” he said. 

He said he’s had to step up in ways he never thought he’d have to. 

“This is like pain I can’t explain.” 

He kept telling the court it is unbelievable that his mother is gone. 

Victim impact statement's begin

 9:15 a.m. Thursday, January 29 — Caryn Eisert  

Sonya Massey’s mother, father, son, and daughter plan to address the court during the hearing. 

Wykoff approached the bench and shared with the court that he had entered character witness letters on behalf of Grayson and Grayson’s medical records. 

Summer, Massey’s daughter, took the stand first for a victim impact statement. She told the court the deadly shooting impacted her life and caused her deep harm. 

“That decision took my mother’s life and forever changed mine,” Summer said. 

Summer also told the court she has not seen any remorse from Grayson and pointed to the fact that he can call his mother, but she can’t. 

Judge denies motion for new trial, sentencing underway

 9:09 a.m. Thursday, January 29 — Caryn Eisert  

The court started with the defense’s motion for a new trial. The defense claims errors in the trial. 

The judge denied a new trial. 

Sentencing is underway.  

Grayson has entered the courtroom, and the hearing will begin

9:05 a.m. Thursday, January 29 — Caryn Eisert  

Grayson was walked into the courtroom wearing a jail jumpsuit. He is handcuffed and has a beard. He sat between his attorneys W,ykoff and Fultz, at the defendant's table. 

Judge Cadagin is seated at the front of the courtroom.

The Massey side of the courtroom is packed with more than 30 people. It's a mix of family, friends, and supporters. 

Court proceedings begin

8:46 a.m. Thursday, January 29 — Caryn Eisert  

At 8:46 a.m., attorneys for Grayson and the Prosecution entered the Sangamon County courtroom. Grayson has not entered the courtroom yet. 

Presiding Circuit Judge of Sangamon County Ryan M. Cadagin will preside over Thursday's sentencing hearing. Grayson could be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. 

Members of the Massey family are present, wearing purple, and members of the Grayson family are also present in the gallery. 

Follow along with our live blog coverage as the trial gets underway. 

Cameras are not allowed in the courtroom. 

Below is a list of key players in the case:

  • Presiding Circuit Judge of Sangamon County Ryan M. Cadagin
  • Prosecutor and Sangamon County State's Attorney John Milhiser 
  • Prosecutor and Sangamon County First Assistant State's Attorney Mary Beth Rodgers
  • Prosecutor and Sangamon County Assistant State's Attorney Ryan Harding
  • Defense attorney for Sean Grayson, Mark Wykoff
  • Defense attorney for Sean Grayson, Daniel Fultz

How we got here:

According to police, the 36-year-old Massey called 911 to report a suspected prowler in July 2024. It ended with her being shot inside her home. The incident was captured on a police body camera. 

Another Sangamon County deputy, whose name has not been publicly released, responded to the call with Grayson. That deputy's body camera recorded their interactions with Massey.

Her death sparked protests, calls for justice, nd prompted changes within the Sangamon County Sheriff's Department.

The trial was moved to Peoria County, Illinois, due to publicity in the case, which garnered worldwide attention. 

More Sonya Massey Coverage: 

Pritzker signs bill requiring stricter police hiring practices in honor of Sonya Massey

'She said she would change the world': SSonyaMassey's family remembers her one year later 

A look at what happened and what's to come following Sonya Massey's death

The ssey family says settlement is just the start in the fight for justice

 

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