The murder trial of a former Illinois sheriff’s deputy, Sean Grayson, who fatally shot Sonya Massey, an unarmed black woman, in her Springfield home last summer, is set to be moved to Peoria due to significant media attention and local public sentiment. The decision was made by Circuit Judge Ryan Cadagin on Tuesday. The defense attorneys for Grayson requested the relocation, citing concerns about impartiality, and the prosecutors did not oppose this decision.
Grayson, aged 30, is facing serious charges including first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct for the incident that occurred on July 6, 2024. Massey, 36, had contacted 911 to report what she thought was a prowler, leading to the encounter that sparked international attention due to its nature involving law enforcement and a person of color.
Support for Massey’s family remains strong, with many attending the hearing. Local activist Teresa Haley expressed that the location change would not alter their pursuit for justice, emphasizing the severity of the crime and advocating for a life sentence.
Springfield, with a population of 112,500, is located 218 miles southwest of Chicago, while Peoria, home to 110,500 residents, lies 73 miles north of Springfield. Grayson’s legal team, consisting of Mark Wykoff and Daniel Fultz, has argued that the extensive international publicity, local activism, and a $10 million civil settlement between the county and Massey’s family have influenced public opinion, making impartial judgment challenging.
The lawyers demonstrated in their request that the case’s fame and ongoing media coverage have muddled public perception, leading to pre-conceived notions about Grayson’s guilt or innocence among local residents. Judge Cadagin has scheduled another hearing on April 23 to decide a trial date.
Despite a ruling by a state appellate court that suggests Grayson could be released with conditions under the Pre-Trial Fairness Act, which eliminates cash bonds, he remains in custody without bond. This issue is currently being reviewed by the state Supreme Court.
Grayson appeared in court with a calm demeanor, smiling briefly as he greeted his lawyers and the judge, which elicited a strong reaction from Sonya Massey’s cousin, Sontae Massey. She remarked on her discomfort with his seemingly light-hearted behavior given the gravity of his alleged actions, saying, “I’m not accustomed to being around killers, but he seemed awful jovial for somebody that shot a woman in the face.”