The homicide trial of an Illinois sheriff’s deputy charged with killing Sonya Massey, a Black lady shot in her residence final 12 months after calling police for assist, is about to start Monday.
Sean Grayson, 31, responding to a name a couple of suspected prowler, fired on the 36-year-old Massey in her Springfield residence early on July 6, 2024, after confronting her about how she was dealing with a pan of sizzling water Grayson had ordered faraway from her range.
Jurors will report Monday and the trial may proceed into subsequent week.
Massey’s killing raised new questions on U.S. legislation enforcement shootings of Black folks of their houses and it prompted a change in Illinois legislation requiring fuller transparency on the background of candidates for legislation enforcement jobs.
This is what to know concerning the expenses.
Trial relocated resulting from nationwide consideration
Along with first-degree homicide, Grayson is charged with aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct. He has pleaded not responsible.
Widespread consideration on Grayson’s taking pictures of Massey prompted Sangamon County Circuit Decide Ryan Cadagin to maneuver the trial from Springfield, 200 miles (322 kilometers) southwest of Chicago. Jurors will as an alternative come from Peoria and surrounding areas, an hour’s drive north, and can hear the case of their native courthouse.
Grayson, who’s white, faces a sentence of 45 years to life in jail if convicted of first-degree homicide.
Physique digicam footage reveals the taking pictures
After Grayson and one other deputy checked the realm round Massey’s home, physique digicam video reveals Grayson knocked on her door to report that they had discovered nothing suspicious. He entered the home to acquire particulars for a report, seen a pan on the range and ordered its removing. Massey picked it up.
She laughingly requested Grayson why he was backing away; he stated he was making an attempt to keep away from the “sizzling, steaming water.” Massey responded, “I rebuke you within the title of Jesus.” Grayson wrote in an incident report, “I interpreted this to imply she was going to kill me.”
Based on physique digicam video, Grayson pulled his 9 mm pistol and yelled at Massey to drop the pot. She apologized then put the pan down and ducked behind a counter, however within the confusion, as Grayson yelled, it seems she picked it up once more. Grayson fired 3 times, hitting Massey as soon as slightly below the left eye.
Massey’s household had sought psychological well being care
Massey, a single mom of two youngsters who had a robust spiritual religion, was beset by psychological well being issues. When she answered Grayson’s knock minutes earlier than the taking pictures, she stated, “Do not damage me,” after which, as she was questioned and Grayson requested her if she was all proper, she repeatedly stated, “Please God.”
Earlier that very same week, Sonya Massey had admitted herself to a 30-day inpatient psychological well being program in St. Louis however returned two days later with out clarification.
County information point out that within the days main as much as the taking pictures, three 911 calls had been made by Massey or on her behalf. In a single, her mom, Donna Massey, informed authorities her daughter was struggling a “psychological breakdown.” Donna Massey additionally informed the dispatcher, “I do not need you guys to harm her.”
Grayson was not conscious of the calls or Massey’s background. County officers have since stated there is not any sensible option to decide and talk such data for police responding to emergency calls.
The deputy’s historical past prompted Illinois reform
Grayson was arrested 11 days after killing Massey and fired from the sheriff’s division.
As his background was scrutinized, Massey’s household and others questioned why Grayson, who had been a Sangamon County deputy sheriff for 14 months, had been employed in any respect.
In his early 20s, he was ejected from the Military for a drunken-driving arrest wherein he had a weapon in his automobile. He was convicted of a DUI once more throughout the 12 months.
Earlier than becoming a member of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Division, Grayson had 4 policing jobs in six years – the primary three of which had been part-time.
There was no indication Grayson had been fired from any job, however evaluations from previous employers documented issues about him. One division reported that whereas Grayson labored onerous and had a very good perspective, he struggled with report writing, was “not nice with proof – left gadgets laying round workplace” and was “a bragger.”
Jack Campbell, the Sangamon County sheriff, was pressured to retire six weeks after the taking pictures. He insisted although that none of Grayson’s points disqualified him from working as a deputy.
State legislation enforcement authorities had licensed Grayson to serve in every of his earlier jobs, however Campbell required him to attend the 16-week police academy coaching course nonetheless.
In August, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed a legislation requiring that potential cops allow the discharge of all private and employment background information to any legislation enforcement company contemplating hiring them. Legislative sponsors of the measure acknowledged it does not forestall candidates with checkered paths from being employed however gives larger transparency.
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