SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — In a packed courtroom on Friday, the former deputy accused of murdering a Springfield woman appeared via video for a routine hearing.
Sean Grayson is on trial for the murder of Sonya 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.
During Friday's routine hearing, a July 25 date was set for the next hearing. Things are still on track for an Oct. 20 trial date.
Cameras have been prohibited in the courtroom.
Grayson is currently in the Macon County Jail. His motion to be released under the state's SAFE-T Act has been denied. However, his release appeal has reached the Illinois Supreme Court. Justices heard arguments last month about his motion for release, but have not released an opinion.
Although the alleged crime occurred in Sangamon County, the trial will be held in Peoria County. Grayson's attorney argued in April for the trial to move out of the area because of overage and community engagement in the case "has made it virtually impossible to empanel a fair and impartial jury in Sangamon County."
Massey's death sparked a civil rights investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice and led to the formation of the Massey Commission in Sangamon County. Both have brought change to Sangamon County and the sheriff's department, including new hiring practices, mental health awareness, and greater transparency and accountability. Earlier this year, Sangamon County and the Massey family agreed to a $10 million settlement.
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