Peoria, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – This will be the live blog for day three of the Sean Grayson murder trial.  Grayson, a former Sangamon County Sheriffs Deputy, is charged with murder for the death of Sonya Massey in July, 2024.  Grayson has pleaded not guilty and has claimed self defense.

WTAX and CapitolCityNow’s Will Stevenson is covering the trial at the Peoria County Courthouse, moved there from Springfield due to pre-trial publicity.

This story will be updated throughout day three of the trial. Click “refresh” on your browser to see the latest entries.  A new post will be created every day during the trial. (Some post times may be approximate.) Some of these entries may contain typographical errors that will be fixed as time allows.

Some of the language below may be vulgar.

3:18pm: Judge was asked by Sun-Times and WBEZ to review his loud typing policy. The judge said he doesn’t normally respond, but he will in this case. Says the threshold was that the jury was distracted by it, so the policy will remain in effect. In disclosure, my laptop keyboard doesn’t make a sound unless you’re literally pulverizing it while typing. Same goes with a number of other computers used by reporters. So, I’m good.

I’ll be back with a day four blog tomorrow!

3:11pm Judge reads a stipulation regarding previous employment history of Grayson through the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, along with previous training.

And now, we break for the day. Judge calls it a “productive” day ahead of schedule. Court resumes at 9am Thursday.

3:02pm: Anthony Mayfield, retired from the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department, is the next witness. He was the chief deputy at the time Massey was shot and killed. Had the opportunity to watch the body camera video from both Grayson and Farley, with captain and sheriff at the time. “Everyone was shocked,” he said. “You could hear a pin drop.”

Mayfield says Grayson violated policy violations on use of force, standard conduct, failure to activate body camera, and medical response. After a summary report was made, it was affirmed Grayson violated those policies. Reports were completed July 9. He and then-sheriff Jack Campbell made official policy violation determinations, writing a letter to Grayson and the FOP. Also drafted another letter regarding the policy violations, with more in-depth details, sent to FOP, Grayson, and merit commission.

2:53pm: OBSERVATION: A brief recess is being taken after both body camera videos were shown. Members of the Massey family are still very emotional, and for a good long time, this courtroom and the hallway around it were as quiet as I’ve heard all day. You could hear a pin drop. That may be a sign of how much the playing of the videos affected the whole courtroom.

2:38pm: “It just happened so quick,” Grayson can be heard saying later on in his bodycam video.” Later, he says, “I’m going to chill in my car real quick” before the file stops.

2:33pm: A second video is now being shown, from Grayson’s perspective. It appears to be silent at first, but shows Grayson opening fire. At a number of times, it’s hard to see because Grayson’s arms holding his gun block the picture for a few moments. “I’m not going to take hot, boiling water to the fucking face and it already reached us,” Grayson said. Mirrors what he said in the first video.

There are many observers on both sides of the courtroom who are either crying, looking down, or looking away.

Later in the video, Grayson is seen helping to put out crime scene tape around the property.

2:28pm: In the first of the videos, from Farley’s perspective, after EMT’s take over the care of Sonya Massey, and after he gets to his squad car, he takes a few minutes to breathe, before getting items out of the trunk of his car to clean himself off. He did say “I’m fine” a few times when he’s asked how he is, but takes more time to compose himself again.

Massey family members have returned to the courtroom.

2:21pm: A few Massey family members leave the courtroom. On the video, a deputy asks Grayson if he shot Sonya, and Grayson clearly says, “Yeah.” All the jurors are looking intently at the video, while at least one had their head down for a moment.

2:18pm: In the first of two body cameras videos, a deputy is shown searching the perimeter of the house, seeing a car in the driveway, which Sonya Massey is asked about. Says it was brought there. Is asked a few times about her name. Before deputies are let in, she says “please God” multiple times and tries to keep a 911 dispatcher on the phone, eventually to no avail. Grayson can be heard saying “we don’t need a fire over here” noticing the pot of boiling water on the stove. Then the scene escalates quickly, shots are fired. Grayson can be heard saying “that’s a head shot” and reiterates he wasn’t going to be hit with the water. Multiple expletives are uttered. “What else do we do?” Grayson said on video.

Unlike when the video was first released, Sonya Massey’s face can clearly be seen, eventually in a pool of blood. Members of the Massey family are looking, and crying. Sonya’s cousin Sontae is consoling at least one family member in the courtroom.

2:05pm: Some Massey family members behind the reporters in the gallery are watching the video, while at least one is looking away. Sean Grayson is also looking down as the video is played.

2:02pm: The two police bodycam videos are about to be played for the jury, with some stipulations being read to the jury first.

1:44pm: Farley says Grayson was indicted on July 17th, admits it got his attention, admitting he didn’t want to be charged with first degree murder, too. And he decided a few weeks later to call to ISP about “inaccuracies’ in his report. The day after the July 9th interview, ISP asked him to come to an interview about his report, but declined through FOP representation. In other words, the first chance he had to clarify or correct his report, he declined.

Says he heard order by Grayson for Massey to drop the pot. Also disputed in his report how Sonya gripped the pot. Said on July 9th, his initial fear was from getting hit from “steaming hot water”, not from Grayson. Changed that story in August. Says he accepts responsibility for changing the report, instead of blaming the FOP. “I also experienced a traumatic incident 72 hours before,” though admits that 72 hour period is a cooling-off period.

1:37pm: On cross-examination by attorney Dan Fultz, Farley confirms he was still on a one-year probationary period when the shooting occurred. His first report was done July 9th, but did a brief report before seeing the bodycam video, which provided no information about what happened. He then wrote a full report watching the video. “I did my best to try and remember the incident,” Farley said.

Says at the time of shooting, the stove was on and the pot of boiling water was on it, and heard water running, but admits that wasn’t what he wrote in his report at first. Wrote in his report that he saw Sonya turn the pot on, but doesn’t recall that. The report said the pot was put under the faucet so more water can be put in it. Farley changed that in August, because “it was an assumption that I have made”. Admits to writing what he wrote in the first report.

Says he learned at the academy how to write a police report, used for multiple purposes, State’s Attorney, other investigations, etc. Fultz is hammering on Farley’s ability to write a police report, likely trying to poke holes in his reliability as a witness.

1:28pm: Farley says he wrote his report as he reviewed body camera footage. He had a hard time reliving the incident, watching the footage, and filing the report.

Says he later reached back out to ISP, watched the incident again, and wanted to clarify what was in his report. The FOP knew he was going to reach back out, but urged him not to. Wanted to clarify some statements about observing the pot of water, holstering his gun, being in fear of steaming hot water, but the fear wasn’t from Sonya because she never did anything to cause it. Wanted to make sure the fear came from what Grayson. “I just wanted to do right by her family and tell the truth,” said Farley.

1:23pm: Farley says he was applying pressure to the wound using a dish towel. Grayson eventually threw his medical kit on the ground. After that, he was relieved from applying pressure when EMT’s arrived on scene. Later went to his squad car to clean the blood off his hands. Says he wasn’t scared or nervous and wasn’t concerned about Sonya Massey doing anything that would harm officers. Never did anything the whole time he was there. Felt threatened by Grayson’s actions, including when Grayson pulled the gun out. Emphasizes nothing Massey did or said caused concern for him.

Later, another deputy arrived and stood by with him, later going to the hospital. Had a medical evaluation while there. After that, he went to the sheriff’s office, where he was met by a crime scene investigator from the ISP, who also collected evidence. He was later cleared to go home. Says he felt “distraught from the situation” because he had never seen anyone get shot in front of him before.

Says he wrote his report 72 hours after the incident. Accompanied by the Fraternal Order of Police after that.

1:17pm: Farley says both tried knocking on Massey’s door, which was answered after a few minutes. Massey said “please don’t hurt me” when answering the door. Also said “please God, please God.” Having a conversation with Sonya, saying there was no prowler. Followed Grayson into the residence, with Sonya was on the phone with dispatch at the time. After that, deputies tried to identify her. Saw a pot sitting on top of the stove. After that, Grayson said “we don’t want a fire hazard.” Later, Sonya removes pot from stove, heard water running. After Sonya asked there Grayson was going, answered “I’m away from your hot, steaming water.” Sonya said, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” After that, Grayson said “I’ll shoot you in your fucking face” if she didn’t put the pot down. Both deputies draw their guns. Grayson steps in front of Farley. Said that’s not how it’s done. Grayson ordered the pot being dropped, then “a couple” shots were fired. After that, I ran back to the doorway to say that shots were fired. Saw Sonya laying on the kitchen floor. Attempted to leave to retrieve medical kit. Grayson said there was no need because it was a shot to the head. Says he was caught off guard by the comment, because it doesn’t follow our training.

1:05pm: After lunch, Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Dawson Farley, called to the stand. Grayson had arrived at the scene prior to him. The two had worked together. Describes their relationship as “more of a work friendship.” Farley was hired in September, 2023.

11:06am: On the night of the shooting, Barton was working phones and a secondary radio channel, but received the initial call from Sonya Massey. Massey claimed it sounded like there was someone outside her home, at least making noise. The call eventually ended, but there was a phone number for dispatchers to call back. That, and all calls, are recorded. The call recording is introduced into evidence and played by the jury. The call indicated by Massey that someone was banging or making noise. The call is ended, seemingly by Massey.

We are now in recess for lunch until 1pm.

11:00am: It’s worth noting that sitting in my row of the gallery are two reporters from WICS, two reporters from WAND (our news partners), and a courtroom sketch artist for CNN. The sketch artists will share images only with their affiliates, which likely will include most local television stations.

10:56am: After a short break, next prosecution witness is Kathryn Barton, Sangamon County Dispatcher. Will be questioned by Mary Beth Rodgers, Assistant State’s Attorney. Barton is breaking down what a dispatch does during a call.

10:31am: Wykoff questions the body-worn camera footage being reviewed. Saw it in real time at first, followed by slow-motion, then frame by frame, over a 36 hour period. Weston says he started making assumptions based on responding to other shootings and thought that there could have been some use of force that led up to the shooting. He says he can make assumptions, but not jump to conclusions, since his role is as a neutral investigation. Also discusses the thinking that three shots were fired instead of two. Also questions Massey using a pot of boiling water “as a weapon” but wasn’t collected as evidence until two weeks later.

10:15am: Cross examination by defense attorney Mark Wykoff. Weston says an officer-involved shooting isn’t always a criminal investigation, but ISP is a neutral third party.

10:03am: Grayson received mandated Crisis Intervention Training, a required 40-hour course, said Weston. Says Grayson worked for a total of six departments over his career prior to the shooting. Weston is going over Grayson’s tenures at those departments. Started with SCSO in May, 2023.

10:01am: It should be noted that a triple-homicide that recently occurred in Springfield was on the same street Sonya Massey lived on: Hoover Avenue in unincorporated Springfield.

9:59am: Received body-worn camera footage later on Sunday that week. He viewed the video. Received video from both Grayson and his partner, watched them “probably more than once.” Says “it was different than the assumption I made on scene” that there was some sort of major incident or altercation that led up to the shooting. Says there was a short interaction, searched the area for a prowler for around 4 minutes, then started knocking on the door, took some time for her to answer, then four minutes later the “deadly force” incident. Says he thought there would be more verbal threats or something that would lead to the shooting. Made an initial determination that use of force was appropriate.

On July 8, all agents in his office were available. He had everyone come in for immediate response, make sure they had a chance to review the video, briefed on investigation, and do various tasks, including attend the autopsy. Weston says the cause of death was from shot to the head. He says there were three shots heard, but two shell casings were recovered.

9:50am: Received call of officer-involved shooting shortly after 2am July 6, 2024 on Hoover Street. Residence was taped off with several deputies on scene when he arrived. “An incident inside the house that involved a pot of water that was alleged to be thrown at the officer” followed by a use of force that was the shooting.

9:45am: First state witness is Lieutenant Eric Weston, Illinois State Police, Division of Criminal Investigators, “Zone 4,” covering 12 counties including Sangamon County. When the shooting occurred, he was based in the Springfield office, acting as a direct supervisor in that area. He supervised eight or nine counties at the time.

9:40am Judge Cadigan says the sounds of typing are no longer allowed in court, as jurors reported being distracted by the sound of typing. Apparently it can get a little loud when 24 of us are furiously typing. We’re all now trying to type much quieter.

9:23am: Fultz says just because law enforcement officers run toward danger, it doesn’t mean they can’t defend themselves. “Why would we hurt you? We’re the law” Fultz says Grayson told that to Massey, per the bodycam video, and that what happened in July 2024 was rapidly-developing.

“Sonya Massey was…warned to put down the pot of water. You’ll hear that,” said Fultz, prior to shots being fired. This has been “life-changing” for both the Massey family and for Grayson.

“Even though his orders were firm…Miss Massey…lifted the pot” of boiling water and attempted to throw it at Grayson. That’s when Grayson fired, said Fultz. Jurors must decide whether that use of force was reasonable “without 20/20 hindsight.” “What happened to Miss Massey was a tragedy, but it was not a crime,” said Fultz.

9:20am: Defense attorney Dan Fultz: Don’t form an opinion about the case early on. “You’ve not heard any evidence yet.” Making your mind up early means you will miss facts to help you make your decision. Jurors will be instructed that the presumption of innocence until the jurors decide beyond a reasonable doubt. If the state can’t prove it, “you’re obligated to acquit him. It’s just that simple.” “There is no crime” if you determined that shooting was justified.

“We believe the evidence will show” that Grayson lawfully discharged the weapon, “that his use of force was appropriated, and that what he did was not a crime.”

9:16am: “It will be clear [Grayson] shot and killed Massey, said Milhiser.

9:15am: You’ll see what happens when Grayson gets mad at Massey, then shoots and killed her, said Milhiser. Murder is charged in three different ways, but in all of them, Grayson is accused of doing the act. Milhiser says premeditation is not a part of first degree murder in Illinois law, so you won’t hear about it in this case. Jurors will hear the initial 911 call. ISP alerted of an officer-involved shooting around 2am that day. Jurors will hear from Illinois State Police investigators and what they did in the investigation. Deputy Dawson Farley will testify today, about showing up, starting body camera, and the interaction between Grayson and Massey. Also will hear from crime scene investigators, former Chief Deputy at Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, Anthony Mayfield, who did the internal investigation. He’s also expected to talk about the “pattern” of Grayson not following department policies. “At the end of the day, this defendant, went into the home of Sonya Massey, when she called for help…without lawful justification” shot and killed Massey.

9:10am: Milhiser says Grayson had a pattern of not following sheriff’s department policies, and police principles. Grayson’s partner activated his body camera when arriving right at the season, while Grayson did not right away.

9:08am: “Sonya Massey is dead because of the actions of Sean Grayson” — State’s Attorney John Milhiser, at the beginning of opening statements.

9:01am: Sangamon County Judge Ryan Cadigan warns the gallery against causing any interruptions or disruptions.

Cameras and microphones are not being allowed in this trial. Cadigan said he thinks people act differently when such things are used by journalists. An Illinois Supreme Court rule allows for cameras and microphones, but gives the judge discretion.

The jury has been seated. Cadigan is giving the jurors standard rules about not researching or following media reports about the trial, etc, not jumping to conclusions, not letting any bias enter into their minds, etc.

Another note: It was brought up at the Springfield City Council meeting last night that it wasn’t fair that a black woman wasn’t picked for the jury. One black male is a part of the jury. The selection of the jury pools was handled by Peoria County.

8:58am: We’re all ready and seated in the courtroom for the first day of the trial, which will include opening statements and witness testimony.

About 22 reporters, local and network, and state and national print media, are in the courtroom, including yours truly.

There appear to be people representing both Sonya Massey’s family and Sean Grayson’s family in the courtroom. The gallery is mostly full, but there’s still room for more. People representing Massey’s family, from what we understand, were part of a pre-approved list, mostly so the room is not packed, and for safety and security concerns.

Outside, a large presents of law enforcement vehicles, dump trucks blocking some intersections, etc. There is a blog designated for rally-goers, but it’s not clear if there will be any today.

Grayson is here with his defense attorneys, dressed in a suit. It’s believed he will not be seen with handcuffs on, in front of the jury.