Former deputy charged with killing Sonya Massey to remain in jail

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The former Sangamon County deputy charged with killing a Springfield woman inside her home will remain in jail for the time being.

Sean Grayson appeared in Sangamon County court by video call for a short hearing Monday. Grayson is on trial for the murder of Sonya Massey during a 911 call in July of 2024.

He's remained in custody since his arrest in July, despite motions filed by his legal team.

In December, WAND News reported that the Illinois Supreme Court declined to grant an emergency motion that would have released Grayson. The state's highest court was considering hearing an appeal to Grayson's pretrial detention, but his case is not currently on the docket for the January term.

Despite the short hearing, dozens of family members and supporters of Sonya Massey were present in the courtroom.

Teresa Haley, of Haley & Associates, shared how difficult the process has been for Massey's family.

"He's sitting there, he's warm, he's breathing, he's alive," said Haley referring to Grayson. "She's dead."

Haley was one of the community advocates who asked legislators to modify the SAFE-T Act. As the law currently stands, murder is not an automatically detainable offense.

"The SAFE-T Act was enacted to keep low level criminals who could not afford a bond that was set and to allow them to get out on bond," said James Wilburn, the father of Sonya Massey. "That wasn't for this guy, who has been charged with three counts of first degree murder and two more felonies."

Grayson is due back in court in March.