Trial Blog | Day 3 of Sean Grayson Murder Trial

Court has adjourned for Wednesday. This blog will start up again around 9 a.m. Thursday.

PEORIA, Ill. (WAND) - The murder trial of Sean Grayson, the former sheriff's deputy accused of shooting and killing Sonya Massey inside her Sangamon County home in 2024, started Monday in Peoria. 

Grayson is charged with first-degree murder. Charges of aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct were dropped on Monday.

Below are updates from the WAND News team inside the courtroom. Make sure to refresh this page for new updates. 

State calls retired Deputy Chief as witness

3:15 p.m. Wednesday, October 22 — Carlee Bronkema

Court has returned after a recess. Retired Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Chief Anthony Mayfield is the state’s next witness. 

On the day Massey was killed, Mayfield was still acting as the Chief Deputy. He shared its standard practice to contact ISP to complete investigations into OIS. 

Mayfield said he watched the body camera video with the Captain of Investigations and former Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell. He said the room was silent as the video was played and “everyone was shocked.” In his role, Mayfield was responsible for determining if a sheriff’s office employee violated policy. 

Mayfield said Grayson violated several policies. This included standard of contact, use of force, medical aid response, and use of a video device. 

Mayfield reviewed Grayson’s and Farley’s police reports. He assigned the case for further investigations. He reviewed the investigation along with former sheriff Campbell and determined policies were violated. He wrote a letter to Grayson and the FOP, as well as administration noting the policy violations.

The defense did not cross-examine Mayfield.

 Court has adjourned for the day. 

Jurors watch Grayson's bodycam video 

2:38 p.m. Wednesday, October 22 — Carlee Bronkema

The jury is now watching the video from Sean Grayson’s body-worn camera as he was inside her home. The video begins when Grayson draws his weapon. There is no audio until after Grayson appears to manually turn his camera on. 

Grayson keeps his head down during this video. Most of his family watched the video. 

The juror that did not watch the shooting in the last video kept his head down again for this portion. He continued to watch the defense table as the rest of the video played. Most jurors leaned forward and watched this video intently as well. Some jurors took notes while others kept their eyes on the screen. 

The Massey family was visibly upset. Donna Massey kept her head down. 

Reaction to bodycam video continues

2:35 p.m. Wednesday, October 22 — Carlee Bronkema

Many of the jurors stayed focused on the screen as the rest of the video played, showing Farley walking outside with his hands trembling. They looked concerned.

Most of the jurors' eyes never left the screen.

Donna, Sontae, and another member of the Massey family returned to the courtroom once the video switched to Farley outside of the home.

Grayson kept his eyes on the screen as the video played after Farley left the home. The women sitting on his side of the courtroom returned their focus to the screen. The men sitting on his side of the courtroom kept his eyes down.

Courtroom reacts to bodycam video 

2:25 p.m. Wednesday, October 22 — Carlee Bronkema

Grayson put his head down as the video showed his interactions with Massey at her front door. He kept his head down for the remainder of the video being shown.

As the shooting was shown in the video, one jury member leaned back in her seat and another put his hand to his face.

A member of Grayson’s family looked noticeably upset after the video was played. The Massey family and those with them were stoic.

This changed after Sonya was shown after being shot. Sonya’s mother Donna began crying and another family member left the courtroom. As the video of Sonya bleeding on the floor played, one juror kept his head down. He did not look at the video.

Later Donna Massey, and Sonya’s cousin Sontae, left the courtroom. Donna was crying.

As the video was still playing of Sonya bleeding on the floor, Grayson glanced at the video several times. Members of his family looked away and did not return attention to the screen.

The video of Sonya, laying on the ground bleeding, was displayed on screen for several minutes, showing how long Farley was holding a towel to Massey’s head.

As the video continues to play, Grayson keeps his head down. His family is still looking away from the screen.

Grayson looks up once the video shifts to Farley walking outside.

Jury watches body camera video

2:15 p.m. Wednesday, October 22 — Carlee Bronkema

The jury is being shown the body camera video, captured by Deputy Farley’s camera once he arrives at the scene.

This video is different from what was shared with the media and released to the public as it is not altered or cut in any way. It will show when Massey is shot, and the moments immediately following, which was not publicly released.

It will not include any blurring of Massey’s face after being shot, according to the Massey family. The jury is very attentive to the video and were leaning towards the screen.

Everyone in the gallery, regardless of the side they were sitting on, are focused on the video. Grayson is looking up and down from the monitor as the video is playing.

Grayson's partner cross-examined by defense

1:50 p.m. Wednesday, October 22 — Carlee Bronkema

Daniel Fultz, one of Grayson’s attorney’s cross examined Farley. Fultz emphasized that Farley was still on his probationary period and therefore could be fired for many reasons. 

Fultz read part of Farley’s first police report, which said Massey placed the pot under the faucet and filled it with water. Farley said later he thought this was an assumption, and doesn’t remember if he actually saw water going into the pot. He did remember hearing the water running. 

Due to the clarifications made when Farley spoke to ISP a second time, Fultz questioned Farley about the importance of being truthful when writing reports. 

Fultz established that Grayson was indicted mid-July. He questioned Farley on if Grayson being charged with murder made him afraid he would be charged. 

Fultz also told the jury Farley had declined the chance to do an interview with ISP before Grayson was indicted. Farley clarified for the court that the FOP declined the interview on his behalf, but he was aware it occurred. 

Farley recalled to the jury the reason he wanted some of the statements clarified. He explained it was because he was concerned he had “tunnel vision” at the moment. 

Fultz reminded Farley that in July 9, on his initial report, Farley wrote he had unholstered his gun because he was afraid of the steaming water causing him bodily harm. Four weeks after that first report, Farley said he reached out to clarify his statements after seeing the body camera footage again. He also said he was afraid the traumatic incident still impacted his memory in writing his first report. 

Grayson was taking notes while Farley was talking. He leaned in to hear his former partner’s testimony. 

Court went into a recess for 15 minutes. During the recess, Grayson was giving people in the gallery a thumbs up. 

Grayson's partner takes the stand

1:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 22 — Carlee Bronkema

We are returning to the courtroom after a long recess for lunch. 

The State has called their third witness. Their witness is Deputy Dawson Farley, a Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy who responded with Grayson to Massey’s home. He started as a deputy in September of 2023 and was still on his one-year probation period on July 6, 2024. 

Farley said he didn’t interact with Grayson outside of work and knew him only from work. Farley said he activated his body camera as soon as he arrived at Massey's home and clarified it is policy for deputies to turn on their camera whenever they interact with the public. Grayson did not turn his body camera on at this time. 

After they checked the outdoor area around the home, they approached the front door. After waiting some time for Massey to come to the front door, Farley said she asked who they were. Massey said “please don’t hurt me” and also “please God, please God,” according to Farley. 

Farley said he went to check on a car in the driveway that Massey said wasn’t hers. He assumed they would be leaving the home since they didn’t locate anyone. 

Farley said when he turned back towards the house, he saw Grayson enter the home with Massey and followed them inside so he wouldn’t leave his partner alone. He said they spent time inside the home trying to identify Sonya. 

Farley stepped into a side doorway. He recounted Grayson telling Massey there was something on the stove and to turn it off. Dawson was still in the doorway. When Sonya said “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus” Farley said he didn't feel it was a threat, but was confused. 

Farley said Grayson acted against their training when he stepped towards Sonya, putting himself in the line of fire of Farley. He said they are trained to never step in the way of their partner's line of fire. 

After shots were fired, Farley attempted to get his medical kit to render first aid. Grayson told him it was a head shot and there was no need. Farley said “I was caught off guard by the comment, it wasn’t our training.” 

Farley performed first aid while Grayson got his first aid kit. He mentioned Grayson did not return with his med kit immediately. Farley said Grayson returned with his med kit, but then heard a sergeant, who had since arrived to the home, say nothing could be done. Grayson said he wasn’t going to waste his medical supplies and threw the bag on the ground. Farley said Massey was still breathing while all of this occurred. 

Milhiser asked Farley if there was anything Massey did that made him feel threatened. Farley said he wasn’t scared and did not feel any reason to pull his gun out. He only pulled his gun because he saw Grayson do it. 

After all of this occurred, Massey was removed from the home by a medical team. Farley said in leaving the home, he was distraught. He said “I’ve never seen anyone get shot in front of me before.” 

Farley said he wrote his police report 72 hours after the incident occurred. He watched the body camera video to ensure accuracy and was accompanied by both the FOP and his sergeant. 

Farley said a few weeks after the incident, he reached out to ISP. He said he wanted to clarify the report. He called the FOP to tell them he needed to speak with ISP. They told him not to reach out to ISP and clarify. 

Farley said he wanted to clarify that Massey wasn’t holding the pot at chest level, he instead realized it was the oven mitts on her hand. He also said initially that he wrote that he drew the gun because he worried about what Sonya did. He instead said I “drew my firearm out of fear from the defendant's actions” 

When Milhiser asked why he did all this, even against the FOP’s advice, Farley said “I just wanted to do right by Sonya and her family and tell the truth."

9-1-1 dispatcher takes the stand

11:10 a.m. Wednesday, October 22 — Carlee Bronkema

The State called Katheryn Barton as their second witness. She is a dispatcher for Sangamon County dispatch. Sangamon County First Assistant State's Attorney Mary Beth Rodgers was responsible for asking Barton questions. 

Barton explained what happens when someone calls 911. She detailed how the dispatch center locates where a call is coming from, how they connect with law enforcement, and who can see the information a dispatcher enters in their system. 

Barton shared what a “prowler” call is. She said this is when a suspicious person is spotted where they shouldn’t be, usually after dark.

Barton said every emergency or non-emergency call is recorded before the dispatcher even picks up the phone. 

Barton answered a 911 call from Sonya Massey the morning she was killed. Massey told Barton it sounded like there was a person outside of her home making noise. Based on this knowledge, Barton registered the incident as a “prowler” call. The call with Massey disconnected but Barton called her back. 

Massey’s 9-1-1 call was played for the court room. 

The defense did not cross-examine this witness. Court is in a recess until 1 p.m. 

Court is in recess

10:50 a.m. Wednesday, October 22 — Carlee Bronkema

Court is in recess as we prepare for the second witness to take the stand. 

The court room is full, with very few seats left open. Court staff have been checking the names of people walking in the courtroom against a list of allowed people. 

Sonya’s mother, uncle, father, and cousins are all in the courtroom. They are joined by approximately 20 others.

The three alternate jurors are sitting in front of the jury box in individual chairs. 

We just received a list of witnesses that will testify.

ISP Investigator cross-examined

10:35 a.m. Wednesday, October 22 — Carlee Bronkema

Mark Wykoff, one of Grayson’s attorneys cross-examined Weston for the defense. Wykoff wanted the jury to understand that an OIS isn’t always for a criminal investigation.

Weston explained that for OIS, ISP steps in to act as neutral investigators. Weston explained that in 2024, he had been investigating OIS for 11 years. He detailed his time as a patrol officer before he was promoted. 

Wykoff confirmed with Weston that he was not physically involved in interviewing witnesses or executing search warrants, but usually reviews the final product of each process. He also gave the directions as to what each person should be doing.

Wykoff asked Weston for more details about Farley and Grayson’s body-worn cameras. Weston said the video was slowed down and analyzed frame by frame. Weston said slowing down the video didn’t change the way he saw the video or add any new details. 

When Wykoff talked about Grayson’s body-worn camera, he placed his hand on Grayson’s shoulder. 

Wykoff asked Weston about assumptions he made when he first arrived at Massey’s home. Weston emphasized that investigators can’t reach conclusions prior to investigations, but past experience will allow them to assume what happens. 

Weston said they thought two shots were fired because they had retrieved two shell cases. He said they went to look for a third shell casing after they realized there were three shots fired in the video. The third shell casing was found two days after the shooting occurred. 

Wykoff confirmed with Weston that when he arrived at the crime scene he was told Massey had a pot in her hand. Weston said his team didn’t collect that pot until approximately two weeks after the shooting occurred. 

Weston clarified for the jury that Grayson’s employment as a law enforcement officer was consecutive. He said the move from part-time to full-time law enforcement work was “not uncommon.”

Many of the jury members took notes of the testimony Weston provided. 

Milhiser had the opportunity to ask questions after Wykoff. He clarified with Weston that the OIS examination turned into a criminal investigation, even though it didn't start as that. 

ISP Investigator testifies

10:10 a.m. Wednesday, October 22 — Carlee Bronkema

Weston said he determined Grayson took “crisis intervention training” which is mandated for officers. It teaches officers how to interact with people with mental illnesses or facing a crisis.

Weston told the jury that Grayson worked for 6 law enforcement agencies in a four year history, with some employment dates overlapping. He started working part-time in August of 2020, spending less than a year at the departments. He transitioned to full time work in 2021.

Grayson and Farley completed their reports of the incident the following day. Weston met with Deputy Farley to go over the report.

ISP Investigator takes the stand

10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 22 — Carlee Bronkema

The State called their first witness. Lieutenant Eric Weston, an ISP Criminal Investigator, took the stand.

Weston gave his background, including his involvement in investigating officer-involved shootings. He explained what an officer involved shooting (OIS) is.

When the shooting occurred, Weston was the Master Sergeant of the Springfield major crimes unit. He has been involved in more than a dozen OIS investigations.

Weston was called to Massey’s home after Grayson shot her. He assembled an investigative team to respond to the scene. He got to the home at 3 a.m. and saw the house taped off with crime scene tape.

When he arrived, he said “not a lot was known.” He was told an officer shot someone after a pot of water was thrown at him.

Weston explained that after an OIS, officers must complete blood and urine testing. They also give their uniform and body-worn camera to investigators.

Weston said he watched both Grayson and Farley’s body-worn camera videos on Sunday. After watching the video he said it was different from the assumption he made on scene. He noted it was a very short interaction, and there was no struggle between Massey and the officer. He said he “thought there had to be something more, verbal threats.”

After watching the video, Weston told the State’s Attorney he “thought it was something your office needed to be made aware of.”

The Monday after the shooting, Weston said he called “all hands on deck,” to investigate the case. This included sending an officer to attend the autopsy and se that the cause of death was a single gun shot wound.

This was of note because three shots were heard on the video, but only two shell casings were found.

Weston located the use of force policy from Sangamon County. He also received the training and employment records of Grayson.

While Weston testified, Grayson sat up in his chair and watched Weston closely.

Defense concludes opening statements, first witness to take stand

9:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 22 — Carlee Bronkema

Daniel Fultz, one of Grayson’s attorney’s, delivers his opening statement. He starts by reminding jurors that they should not form opinions at the beginning of the trial. 

Fultz emphasizes that the state has to prove charges “beyond a reasonable doubt.” If they do not, he reminds the jury they must acquit Grayson. 

He told the jury that Grayson acted lawfully when he shot Massey, and it’s a unique situation to have a law enforcement officer facing a murder charge. Fultz says just because Grayson is a law enforcement officer, that doesn’t mean he isn’t allowed to defend himself. 

Fultz told the jury that Grayson instructed Massey multiple times to put down the pot of boiling water. Because she didn’t, he says Grayson shot her to avoid great bodily harm. 

“It was at that moment and only at that money that Deputy Grayson chose to discharge his weapon,” said Fultz. 

Now the jury has to decide if that was reasonable, said Fultz. He says Massey’s death was, ”a tragedy but not a crime.” 

Grayson pays attention to both his attorney and the jury during the process.

The court broke for a 15 minute break. The first witness will take the stand when court resumes. 

State's Attorney starts opening statements

9:15 a.m. Wednesday, October 22 — Carlee Bronkema

Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser delivered his opening statements first. He addressed the 12 jury members, along with the 3 alternates. 

He shared the basics of the case, reminding the jury that Sonya was alone at home when she was killed. He emphasizes that all of Grayson’s actions are captured on his partner’s body camera. 

Milhiser shares that Grayson doesn’t turn on his camera and says this will be an established pattern. He believes the jury will see that Grayson does not follow police policy and rules. 

Milhiser details what is included in a first degree murder charge. He shares that premeditation is not a part of the first degree murder charge Grayson is facing. 

Dawson Farley, the deputy that was in Massey’s home with Grayson, will testify on what he saw and experienced that day. The ISP officer who led the “officer involved shooting” investigation will testify. The pathologist that completed Massey’s autopsy will also testify.

Day 3 begins

9:10 a.m. Wednesday, October 22 — Carlee Bronkema

Judge Ryan Cadagin started court this morning by reminding the gallery that there cannot be any distracting behavior in the courtroom. He said he did not want cameras allowed in the courtroom because they are distracting and change the way people act. 

Once the jury entered, Cadagin reminded the jury that any information they had from before they entered the courtroom could not be a part of their decision. Only materials provided in the courtroom should be considered. He instructed them to not post about the case or talk about it. 

He asked the jury to “resist jumping to conclusions” regarding people’s race, gender, or other factors.

Day 3 is about to start

8:45 a.m. Wednesday, October 22 — Carlee Bronkema

Day 2 concludes

9:55 a.m. Tuesday, October 21 — Carlee Bronkema

The court heard arguments regarding evidence and expert witnesses. Motions filed brought into consideration what specific terms can be used in the witness box. Those terms are reasonable or unreasonable; justified or unjustified; and lawful or unlawful. 

Both attorneys agreed that they would set parameters for their witnesses to not use these terms. Daniel Fultz, an attorney for Sean Grayson, told the court we will “have clear conversations with our experts.” 

Both sides frequently referred to the case Graham v. Connor. This is a case frequently used to say excessive use of force can be analyzed through the Fourth Amendment within the legal system. Both sides agreed to not specifically cite the case, but to use the principles of the case as they’ve been used in many previous cases. 

While there were motions filed, both attorneys made agreements about those motions. Judge Cadagin said he would consider the rulings regarding expert witnesses and allowed phrases and topics as “reserved.” This means an agreement was made between the parties, but if an issue comes up during the testimony, the attorneys can discuss further with the judge. 

Court only lasted 43 minutes. It adjourned for the day and will start again tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. 

Grayson looked confused as attorneys argued on specifics. Mark Wykoff repeatedly placed his hand on Grayson’s shoulder as he referred to him.

Day 2 begins

9:10 a.m. Tuesday, October 21 — Carlee Bronkema

Day 2 of the trial has started. Sean Grayson is in the courtroom today in a black suit and is clean shaven. He is wearing glasses and is visually engaged in the conversation between attorneys. 

Sonya’s father, James Wilburn, is in court again this morning. He is joined by two others people.  

Today we expect both sides to argue regarding the timeliness of motions that were filed. They also will likely discuss motions regarding expert witnesses and the evidence allowed in court. 

Opening statements scheduled for Wednesday

5:00 p.m. Monday, October 20 — WAND News Digital Team

The jury has been dismissed and told to return Wednesday for opening statements that are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. 

Tuesday morning, the judge will hear several motions on evidence and other issues. 

Court is adjourned until 9 a.m. Tuesday.

Jury selection wraps up

4:40 p.m. Monday, October 20 — WAND News Digital Team

The jury of 12 has been selected along with three alternates. 

The makeup of the jury includes nine women and three men. 11 of them are white and one is Black.

The three alternates include two white men and one white woman.

The judge has given the jury several rules; including social media use, not researching the case, or talking about the trial. 

Defense questions potential jurors

4:20 p.m. Monday, October 20 — Carlee Bronkema 

Daniel Fultz, one of Sean Grayson’s attorneys, spoke with the fourth group of potential jurors regarding the importance of sharing anything that could impact their ability to be fair jurors.

Fultz turned his attention to follow ups on the questionnaire the potential jurors were sent as well as the questions asked by Milhiser. This included questions about what jurors had connections to law enforcement or attorneys. 

A recess was called for attorneys to make jury selections and the potential jurors left the courtroom. The attorneys held four jurors back to ask them follow up questions in private. 

Grayson smiled at the jury when potential jurors made jokes about an upcoming vacation.

State's Attorney questions potential jurors

4:00 p.m. Monday, October 20 — Carlee Bronkema 

State’s Attorney John Milhiser’s questions were similar to what he asked the previous groups of potential jurors. He asked potential jurors to disclose any connections with law enforcement. He asked them if they had any reluctance to vote on a guilty verdict for a former law enforcement officer. Two potential jurors said they would not be able to deliver a verdict fairly because they had family who worked in law enforcement.

Fourth round of potential jurors enter courtroom 

3:45 p.m. Monday, October 20 — Carlee Bronkema 

Court has restarted. 12 new potential jurors have been called. 

Presiding Circuit Judge of Sangamon County Ryan M. Cadagin is questioning jurors about their knowledge of the case. Several of the potential jurors acknowledged they had heard about this case prior to entering the building today. 

Each potential juror was asked about their marital status, education, and career. They were asked about their spouse’s and adult children’s employment. They also were asked if they had ever been involved in a lawsuit or served on a jury.

Jury almost selected 

3:30 p.m. Monday, October 20 — Carlee Bronkema 

12 jurors have been selected for the trial. A second group of 12 potential have been called into the courtroom to select alternates.

Defense questions potential jurors

2:50 p.m. Monday, October 20 — Carlee Bronkema 

Daniel Fultz, one of Sean Grayson’s attorneys, spoke with the third group of potential jurors regarding the importance of sharing anything that could impact their ability to be fair jurors. He said jurors needed to be fully confident that they could be fair and impartial. 

Fultz turned his attention to follow ups on the questionnaire the potential jurors were sent. This included questions about what jurors had connections to law enforcement and if they would be distracted by their job during the trial.

While asking questions, both Fultz and Millhiser agreed to a short recess and the potential jurors left the courtroom. The attorneys held two jurors back to ask them follow up questions. 

James Wilburn, Sonya Massey’s father, is still the only family member present in the courtroom.

State's Attorney questions potential jurors

2:35 p.m. Monday, October 20 — Carlee Bronkema 

State’s Attorney John Milhiser’s questions were similar to what he asked the first and second groups of potential jurors, or based on facts they shared. He asked potential jurors to disclose any connections with law enforcement. He asked them if they had any reluctance to vote on a guilty verdict for a former law enforcement officer. Three potential jurors said they would not be able to deliver a verdict fairly because they had family who worked in law enforcement.

Milhiser asked the jury if they felt they would be able to judge others fairly. He additionally asked if anyone was concerned about the fairness of judging a law enforcement officer’s use of force. One juror said they could not fairly judge the actions of an officer after the fact.

Five jurors said they didn’t believe they were the right person to be on the jury or could not be fair. 

Court is in recess

2:15 p.m. Monday, October 20 — Carlee Bronkema 

The courtroom has taken several short breaks and they haven’t provided any details on why this has occurred. We are in one of those breaks now.

Demonstrators continue to walk around the courthouse.

Jury selection continues with third group of potentials 

2:00 p.m. Monday, October 20 — Carlee Bronkema 

Court has restarted. 12 new potential jurors have been called. 

Presiding Circuit Judge of Sangamon County Ryan M. Cadagin is questioning jurors about their knowledge of the case. Several of the12 potential jurors acknowledged they had heard about this case through the news. Two said they were influenced by the news and did not believe they could be fair and impartial.

Two jurors also said they knew other potential jurors and did not believe they would fairly weigh the opinions of all on the jury if the person they knew was also selected. 

Each potential juror was asked about their marital status, education, and career. They were asked about their spouse’s and adult children’s employment. They also were asked if they had ever been involved in a lawsuit or served on a jury.

Eight people selected as jurors

1:30 p.m. Monday, October 20 — Carlee Bronkema 

Court has resumed. 

Of the 12 jurors in the second section, two were chosen to stay as the jury. The two jurors from the first round that were held, were also officially added to the jury. This brings the jury total up to eight. 

Seven of the jurors from the second round were dismissed. Three jurors from the second section will remain potential jurors, although they were not selected in this round.

Court in recess 

12:55 p.m. Monday, October 20 — Carlee Bronkema 

Daniel Fultz has asked jurors if they have any time constraints for the next 7 to 8 days. He asks if there is any reason they cannot give their full attention to the case or cannot stay for the full time. 

After questioning, Judge Cadagin recessed the potential jurors and told them that once back from recess they would know if they had been selected or dismissed. The attorneys and judge took one potential juror to the back to talk further. 

Court is recessed for 20 minutes.

Defense questions potential jurors

12:45 p.m. Monday, October 20 — Carlee Bronkema 

Daniel Fultz, one of Sean Grayson’s attorneys, spoke with the second group of potential jurors regarding the importance of sharing anything that could impact their ability to be fair jurors. 

He questioned the group regarding their response to a questionnaire they all completed after being called to jury duty. These questions were more personal and related to their ability to attend court each day. Fultz asked about past interactions with law enforcement or family members that work in the justice system. 

During this process, Grayson moved in his seat frequently, looking at his attorneys’ notes, the judge, and the jury. 

While asking questions, both Fultz and Millhiser agreed to a short recess and the potential jurors left the courtroom. 

State's Attorney questions potential jurors

12:25 p.m. Monday, October 20 — Carlee Bronkema 

State’s Attorney John Milhiser started his questions to the new group of jurors by providing a brief summary of the case. His questions were similar to what he asked the first group of potential jurors, or based on facts they shared. He asked potential jurors to disclose any connections with law enforcement. He asked them if they had any reluctance to vote on a guilty verdict for a former law enforcement officer. 

Two jurors said they did not believe they could sit on the jury in judgement of another person. One of those jurors also said they were not in the right frame of mind to serve fairly on the jury.

Jury selection continues with second group of potentials 

12:10 p.m. Monday, October 20 — Carlee Bronkema 

The 12 new jurors made their way to the jury box. Judge Ryan Cadigan asked the group if they had heard of the case. 10 of the jurors said they had heard about it. Many said they had heard about the case from friends or from news coverage of the case. 

Three jurors said they could not be impartial because of the information they had about the case before entering the courtroom. 

During Judge Cadigan’s preliminary questions to the jury, Grayson was leaned back in his chair and looking at each juror as they acknowledged the judge. 

Each potential juror is being asked about their marital status, education, and career. They were asked about their spouse’s and adult children’s employment. They also were asked if they had ever been involved in a lawsuit or served on a jury.

First four potential jurors selected from first group

11:45 a.m. Monday, October 20 — Carlee Bronkema 

Court has returned after a short break. The first section of 12 potential jurors returned to the courtroom.  Four people from the group were selected. Six were dismissed. The other two remain as potential jurors, although they were not selected in this round. 

The next section of 12 potential jurors has been called into the courtroom.

Defense questions potential jurors

11:15 a.m. Monday, October 20 — Carlee Bronkema 

Defense attorney for Sean Grayson, Daniel Fultz, took the lead in questioning the jury on the defense’s behalf. He led his questioning by emphasizing the importance of the jury being truthful and honest. 

Questionnaires were given to potential jurors regarding their past or other experiences. Fultz asked certain jurors questions about the responses they had given in the questionnaires. 

Those questions were in regard to  their interactions with law enforcement or members of the criminal justice system. He asked several people if their previous interactions with the criminal justice system left them with a “bad taste” for the process or a mistrust in the system. 

For several of the potential jurors Fultz questioned, he asked hyper-specific questions regarding personal situations, including medical history or jobs. 

One juror was very transparent in saying they had moved from Decatur in the last few years and had seen videos and stories related to the case. They told the court they had “seen a lot” regarding it. 

One juror shared concerns about their safety because the case is “high-profile.”

State's Attorney questions potential jurors

10:40 a.m. Monday, October 20 — Carlee Bronkema 

James Wilburn, Sonya Massey’s father, is the only family member present in the courtroom. Sean Grayson does not have handcuffs on while in front of the jury, but does when exiting the courtroom. 

State’s Attorney John Milhiser asked potential jurors to disclose if they were friends or family with law enforcement officers or had previously been an officer. Milhiser also asked jurors if they could put their relationship with law enforcement aside to deliver a fair verdict. One potential juror said “absolutely” to this question. Milhiser also asked if they were concerned how the officer they knew would react if they knew the verdict. 

State’s Attorney John Milhiser asked jurors to disclose if they had given any money to law enforcement based non-profits or organizations or volunteered with one. Only one juror said yes, explaining they volunteered for a local organization. 

State’s Attorney John Milhiser asked several hyper-specific questions related to law enforcement and how they are judged in the courtroom. This included asking jurors if it was unfair to judge an officer’s response to a specific moment. He also asked if they believed it was fair for officers to use any amount of force in their positions as officers, or if there should be restrictions. 

Jury questioning begins

10:15 a.m. Monday, October 20 — Carlee Bronkema 

Attorneys are keeping a close eye on the jury as they answer questions. They are taking note of the way each person is responding. Grayson is also looking closely at the jurors and occasionally rocking back and forth in his chair. 

Each potential juror is being asked about their marital status, education, and career. They were asked about their spouse’s and adult children’s employment. They also were asked if they had ever been involved in a lawsuit or served on a jury. 

Court proceedings begin

9:45 a.m. Monday, October 20 — Carlee Bronkema 

Media were allowed into the courtroom at 9:45 AM. Grayson is wearing a dark navy blue suit and is clean shaven. He is wearing glasses and has a serious demeanor as he looks around the courtroom. 

Presiding Circuit Judge of Sangamon County Ryan M. Cadagin is questioning jurors about their knowledge of the case. Ten of the 12 potential jurors acknowledged they had heard about this case through the news. 

Follow along with our live blog coverage as the trial gets underway. 

Cameras are not allowed in the courtroom. 

Below is a list of key players in the case:

• Presiding Circuit Judge of Sangamon County Ryan M. Cadagin
• Prosecutor and Sangamon County State's Attorney John Milhiser 
• Prosecutor and Sangamon County First Assistant State's Attorney Mary Beth Rodgers
• Prosecutor and Sangamon County Assistant State's Attorney Ryan Harding
• Defense attorney for Sean Grayson, Mark Wykoff
• Defense attorney for Sean Grayson, Daniel Fultz

How we got here:

According to police, the 36-year-old Massey called 911 to report a suspected prowler in July 2024. It ended with her being shot inside her home. The incident was captured on police body camera. 

Another Sangamon County deputy, whose name has not been publicly released, responded to the call with Grayson. That deputy's body camera recorded their interactions with Massey.

Her death sparked protests, calls for justice and prompted changes within the Sangamon County Sheriff's Department.

The trial was moved to Peoria County, Illinois, due to publicity in the case, which garnered worldwide attention. 

More Sonya Massey Coverage: 

Pritzker signs bill requiring stricter police hiring practices in honor of Sonya Massey

'She said she would change the world': Sonya's Massey's family remembers her one year later 

A look at what happened and what's to come following Sonya Massey's death

Sean Grayson appears in court for final time before trial begins in Peoria

Copyright 2025. WANDTV. All Rights Reserved.