PEORIA, Ill. (AP) — An Illinois jury has begun deliberations in the first-degree murder trial of a sheriff’s deputy who shot Sonya Massey, a Black woman in her home who had called 911 for help and was later killed due to how she handled a pan of hot water.
The eight-woman, four-man jury received the case just after 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. They must decide whether Sean Grayson, 31, is guilty of first-degree murder for fatally shooting Massey in her Springfield home. If convicted, he faces a sentence of 45 years to life in prison, but they also have the option of considering second-degree murder, which carries a term of four to 20 years.
Grayson and another deputy responded to Massey’s emergency call about a prowler outside her home early on July 6, 2024.
In closing arguments, prosecutors described Grayson as “an angry man with a gun,” asserting that his impatience with Massey, who was experiencing a mental health crisis, led to a volatile situation.
Defense attorneys argue that Grayson gave clear commands for Massey to drop the pot of water and only fired after she stated, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” and then supposedly threatened him with the pan.
Massey's killing has spurred renewed discussions about police use of force, particularly against Black individuals in their homes, prompting Judge Ryan Cadagin to move the trial from Springfield to Peoria in light of pre-trial publicity.
In an uncommon move, Grayson chose to testify in his own defense, expressing that he feared using a Taser would not be effective given the circumstances. He claimed that Massey's behavior led him to perceive her as a threat, contributing to his decision to draw his weapon.
The jury's deliberation will determine the outcome of this significant case that has raised critical questions regarding police conduct and accountability.
The eight-woman, four-man jury received the case just after 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. They must decide whether Sean Grayson, 31, is guilty of first-degree murder for fatally shooting Massey in her Springfield home. If convicted, he faces a sentence of 45 years to life in prison, but they also have the option of considering second-degree murder, which carries a term of four to 20 years.
Grayson and another deputy responded to Massey’s emergency call about a prowler outside her home early on July 6, 2024.
In closing arguments, prosecutors described Grayson as “an angry man with a gun,” asserting that his impatience with Massey, who was experiencing a mental health crisis, led to a volatile situation.
Defense attorneys argue that Grayson gave clear commands for Massey to drop the pot of water and only fired after she stated, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” and then supposedly threatened him with the pan.
Massey's killing has spurred renewed discussions about police use of force, particularly against Black individuals in their homes, prompting Judge Ryan Cadagin to move the trial from Springfield to Peoria in light of pre-trial publicity.
In an uncommon move, Grayson chose to testify in his own defense, expressing that he feared using a Taser would not be effective given the circumstances. He claimed that Massey's behavior led him to perceive her as a threat, contributing to his decision to draw his weapon.
The jury's deliberation will determine the outcome of this significant case that has raised critical questions regarding police conduct and accountability.
