IL Supreme Court says Grayson appeal of pre-trial release now 'moot'

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The Illinois Supreme Court has said an appeal by the former sheriff's deputy found guilty of killing Sonya Massey is now moot, following his conviction last month.

Grayson had appealed a decision by a lower court that denied him pre-trial release.

The court, in an unsigned opinion filed Thursday, cited prior case law: “An appeal is moot if ‘no actual controversy exists or if events have occurred that make it impossible for the reviewing court to grant the complaining party effectual relief.'"

Grayson was indicted in July 2024 by a grand jury on three counts of first degree murder, one count of aggravated battery with a firearm, and one count of official misconduct. The State filed a petition to have him denied pretrial release. The circuit court of Sangamon County granted the request the same day.

But an appeals court later reversed the decision and Grayson's legal team immediately asked the state's highest court to order his release. But the state appealed, and the Illinois Supreme Court denied Grayson's motion for immediate release. He remained in jail through his trial and is still in jail until his sentencing in January.

Grayson, a now former Sangamon County sheriff's deputy, was convicted by a jury of second-degree murder in a trial that was moved to Peoria County because of publicity and media attention. Police body camera video captured Grayson killing Massey over a pot of boiling water. After he shot Massey, he did not provide her with medical.

Grayson faces up to 20 years in prison. But he could also be sentenced to probation. The jury did not convict him of first-degree murder, which carries a sentence of 45 years to life in prison.

Grayson will be sentenced Jan. 29 in Springfield.

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