Peoria, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – This will be the live blog for day eight 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. Jury deliberations are continuing.
This story will be updated throughout day eight 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 coarse, and some descriptions may be disturbing.
2:31pm: Pre-sentencing investigation ordered, as per standard. Sentencing 9am Thursday, January 29th in Sangamon County Court.
2:29pm: Jury is polled and each affirms it’s their verdict. Judge thanks the entire jury. “Sean Grayson got a fair trial” because of the jurors.
2:28pm: Sean Grayson is guilty of Second Degree Murder.
2:26pm: Judge Ryan Cadigan thanks the gallery for being so “cooperative.”
2:19pm: A verdict has been reached. Stand by for details once we’re let in the courtroom.
1:20pm: No updates from the jury or court since the jury’s two questions this morning.
The Grayson trial was again brought up at Tuesday’s Springfield City Council meeting. CLICK HERE to read reporting on the meeting.
9:05am: Jury returned at 8:28am. Two questions, one asking to see Grayson’ law enforcement training history, and one asking to see another exhibit . They’re being given what they asked for.
