Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – As Sean Grayson appeared via video conference Monday in a Sangamon County courtroom, the Massey family expressed frustration that the trial has yet to begin.
Grayson’s next court date is set for April 8, when the judge will consider a request from his attorneys to move the trial out of Sangamon County.
Sontae Massey spoke to the media following today’s brief hearing before Judge Adam Giganti, and said the family anticipated the request for a change of venue. He added that it might be beneficial for the Massey family as well for the trial to move out of Sangamon County. “That way they can’t claim it was an unfair trial. We all saw what happened, and we all know he’s guilty,” said Massey.
Regardless of location, he said “they should expect to see all the Masseys there in full force.”
Grayson is facing first-degree murder charges in the shooting death of Sonya Massey in her home on July 6, 2024. Grayson, a Sangamon County deputy at the time of the shooting, was responding to a 911 call at her home.
Despite the fact that the trial hasn’t started yet, Massey said they are encouraged that it is moving along.
Meanwhile, he said the Massey family is stepping up its involvement in the Massey Commission, starting with Monday’s special meeting to consider recommendations for the positions of managing director and public engagement coordinator for the commission.
He said the family recently met with the Massey Commission chairs via Zoom, at the commission’s request. “We came to an agreement that the family would be more involved.”
“I think the commission has our family in mind with everything they do, and they want to make the commission work.” Massey said the commission has been very gracious to the family and working to make sure the family has a voice.