Sean Grayson wants murder trial moved out of Sangamon County

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The now former Sangamon County sheriff's deputy accused of shooting and killing a woman after responding to a 911 call for help wants his trial moved out of Sangamon County.

Attorneys for Sean Grayson filed a motion to change venue. It's not clear when the court will take up the motion.

Grayson was seen on police body camera video shooting and killing Sonya Massey inside her home in July 2024. Massey 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 month, Sangamon County and the Massey Family agreed to a $10 million settlement.

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."