Introduction to the Case
The murder case of a white ex-cop accused of killing an unarmed Black woman in her Springfield-area home is now before a jury after lawyers on both sides presented their closing arguments Tuesday. Former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson, 31, is facing three counts of first-degree murder for fatally shooting 36-year-old Sonya Massey. Last year, she called the police to report a suspected prowler when Grayson and another deputy responded.
The Events Leading to the Shooting
That seemingly routine call took a fatal turn in a matter of minutes, when Grayson threatened to shoot Massey “in her f- – -ing face” if she didn’t put down a pot of boiling water that had been on her stovetop. The former deputy shot at Massey three times while she ducked behind her kitchen counter, striking her under her left eye. Grayson has pleaded not guilty, and his lawyers have argued he was acting in self-defense because he believed Massey intended to throw the pot of water at him.
The Trial and Closing Arguments
Jurors began deliberating Grayson’s fate around lunchtime and ended the day Tuesday without reaching a verdict. They will resume deliberations Wednesday. But jurors did pose two questions to the judge overseeing the case after they went behind closed doors. One was a request to review police-worn body camera videos that have been a critical piece of evidence in the trial. The jury asked to look at Grayson’s and at his partner’s recordings, and to view them side-by-side. The other question had to do with a reference in jury instructions to a state law that governs when use of force is impermissible as an act of self-defense.
Prosecutor’s Argument
Earlier Tuesday, in closing arguments, prosecutor Mary Beth Rodgers characterized Grayson as a chronic liar about events that happened the night of Massey’s death, noting discrepancies between his testimony last week and what the bodycam footage revealed. Rodgers also insisted the police video showed Massey was being fully compliant with Grayson’s demands, contrary to what the former officer said, but he shot her anyway. Standing before the jury, Rodgers threw her hands in the air, jumped backward from the jury box and said “I’m sorry” — courtroom flourishes meant to reenact the words and actions Massey took moments before Grayson shot her.
Defense Argument
During his closing argument, Dan Fultz, Grayson’s lead defense attorney, implored the jury not to let “emotions dictate the outcome of the case.” Fultz said Massey can be seen on the bodycam video grabbing the pot of water, lifting it over her shoulder and making a “throwing motion” at Grayson in the milliseconds before he shot her. Fultz also recalled testimony from police use-of-force experts his team had called up to testify, who said deadly force is an appropriate form of de-escalating a situation.
Public Reaction
This undated photo provided by the family’s lawyers in July 2024 shows Sonya Massey of Springfield. Prosecutors have charged Sean Grayson with murdering Massey while responding to an emergency call at her home July 6, 2024.
Courtesy Ben Crump Law via AP
Conclusion
The case of Sean Grayson, the ex-cop accused of murdering Sonya Massey, is a complex and highly publicized one. The jury’s decision will have significant implications for the community and the nation, as it raises important questions about police brutality, racial justice, and the use of deadly force. As the jury continues to deliberate, the public awaits the outcome with bated breath.
FAQs
Q: What is the case about?
A: The case is about the murder of Sonya Massey, an unarmed Black woman, by Sean Grayson, a white ex-cop, in her Springfield-area home.
Q: What is Grayson charged with?
A: Grayson is facing three counts of first-degree murder.
Q: What is the defense argument?
A: The defense argues that Grayson was acting in self-defense because he believed Massey intended to throw a pot of boiling water at him.
Q: What is the prosecution’s argument?
A: The prosecution argues that Grayson’s actions were not justified and that he lied about the events leading up to the shooting.
Supporters gather Tuesday outside the Peoria County Courthouse during the trial of ex-cop Sean Grayson who is charged in the 2024 killing of Sonya Massey.
Candace Dane Chambers/Sun-Times
