Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – With members of Sonya Massey’s family looking on, former sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson appeared by video in a Sangamon County courtroom Wednesday. His trial is now set to start Oct. 20 in Peoria County.

Sangamon County Judge Ryan Cadagin scheduled the trial without any objections from Grayson’s attorneys, Mark Wycoff and Dan Fultz, or from Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser.

Grayson is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Sonya Massey. The incident happened last July, while Grayson was responding to a 911 call at Massey’s home.

After the hearing, Massey’s cousin, Sontae Massey, spoke about the importance of having a trial date. “It’s the beginning of seeing him jailed for life,” he said. “For me, I definitely want to see them lock him up and throw away the key.”

Community activist Teresa Haley said the family is planning a caravan to Peoria and will attend the entire trial.

Sontae Massey said numerous people in Peoria have reached out, ready to support the family and help get justice for Sonya. He added that supporters in Springfield have also offered to help the family travel to Peoria.

Before the trial begins in October, Grayson is scheduled to return to court for another status hearing in Springfield on June 6, due to the long gap before the October trial.

 

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