SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The attorney for former Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson is asking a judge to overturn his second-degree murder conviction or grant him a new trial, arguing that several legal errors affected the outcome of the case.
Grayson's attorney, Daniel Fultz, filed a motion for a new trial Nov. 26 with the Sangamon County Circuit Clerk's Office.
The 31-year-old Grayson was found guilty of second-degree murder in October for the shooting death of Sonya Massey last summer.
In the new filing, Grayson’s attorneys cite several reasons they believe the verdict should be set aside:
Pretrial detention: The defense argues Grayson’s ability to prepare for trial was harmed because he was held in multiple jails, after an appellate court ruled the trial court improperly ordered his detention. They say being jailed limited communication with his legal team.
Post-incident statements: Attorneys say the court should not have allowed jurors to hear Grayson’s statements and behavior after the shooting, arguing they were not relevant to deciding whether he acted reasonably at the time.
Limits on expert testimony: The defense argues the court restricted their expert witnesses from explaining police training standards, including terms such as “reasonable” or discussions of probable cause. They say these limits prevented jurors from understanding key context.
Jury instructions: Grayson’s attorneys say the judge rejected a jury instruction that would have allowed jurors to consider whether he used deadly force to protect himself or another officer, which they argue is supported by state statute.
Evidence about the victim: The motion also argues the court improperly excluded evidence about Massey’s behavior and mental state in the days before the shooting, which the defense says was relevant to determining who initiated the confrontation.
The attorneys argue that even if each issue alone is not enough to overturn the verdict, the combined effect denied Grayson a fair trial.
The court has not yet ruled on the request.
Grayson is set to be sentenced on January 29 in Springfield, where the judge will also give his ruling on this motion. He could face up to 20 years in prison or potentially receive probation.
More Coverage:
IL Supreme Court says Grayson appeal of pre-trial release now 'moot'
Former deputy, convicted of murder, to be sentenced in new year
Grayson found guilty of second-degree murder of Sonya Massey
Recap of changes made following Sonya Massey's death
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