Judge sets hearing for change of venue in Sean Grayson trial

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A judge will hear arguments about changing the venue for a former Sangamon County deputy accused of shooting and killing Sonya Massey inside her home.

During Monday's hearing, a Sangamon County judge set the new hearing for April 8.

Attorneys for Sean Grayson filed a motion to change venue. It's not clear what county the venue would move to.

"We anticipated it. It might be beneficial for us to move that venue that way, you know, they can't claim that it was an unfair trial," said Sontae Massey, cousin to Sonya Massey.

In the motion filed to change the trial venue, Grayson's legal team said that coverage and community engagement in the case "has made it virtually impossible to empanel a fair and impartial jury in Sangamon County."

Grayson was seen on police body camera video shooting and killing Sonya Massey inside her home in July 2024. Massey had called police for help during an apparent mental health crisis.

Grayson is charged with murder and is awaiting trial. He's remained in custody despite repeated attempts by his legal team to have him released before trial.

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.