SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A former Sangamon County deputy on trial for the murder of a Springfield woman in her own home appeared by video in a short hearing on Monday.
Sean Grayson was charged for the murder of Sonya Massey in July. Body-worn camera footage was released from a 911 call that showed Grayson shooting Massey during an exchange over a pot of water in her home. After the shooting, he failed to give Massey medical help.
Teresa Haley with Haley and Associates speaks to reporters after a short hearing regarding Sean Grayson's hearing on Oct. 21, 2024.
In August, Judge Ryan Cadagin chose to deny Grayson pre-trial release, partially based on the fact that he offered Massey no medical care.
Attorneys for Grayson appealed that decision with an appellate court due to concerns about Grayson's colon cancer and whether he can get proper care in jail.
Judge Cadagin denied a request from WAND News and other media outlets to allow cameras in the courtroom during Grayson's trial.
Around thirty members of Massey's family appeared for the hearing on Monday. Teresa Haley with Haley and Associates told reporters after the hearing that Massey's family is "struggling, but holding on." She said that family and community members will keep attending hearings and "coming back again and again and again and again."
Grayson appeared by video monitor from the Menard County Jail where he is currently being held. His attorneys are currently awaiting a decision from the appellate court on whether Grayson will be granted pre-trial release.
The next hearing is set for early December.
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