Former deputy Sean Grayson, charged with the fatal shooting of Illinois mother Sonya Massey in her home, will appeal a court’s decision denying him pretrial release. Grayson, who pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and other charges, was fired from his position with the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office following the incident. His defense team argued that he needs proper cancer treatment not available in jail and does not pose a threat. The requests for pretrial release were denied by the court, leading to the decision to appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court.
During the pre-trial hearing, the defense team requested more time for discovery, and the judge granted their request with a status hearing set for October. Grayson’s history in law enforcement includes six different police jobs in four years, with previous disciplinary issues at the Logan County Sheriff’s Office and past DUI offenses. The incident involving Massey, captured on body camera footage, showed Grayson threatening her before fatally shooting her.
Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell, who will retire in connection to hiring Grayson, stated that the department was not aware of his previous disciplinary issues. Grayson, discharged from the U.S. Army for misconduct, claimed he feared for his life during the encounter with Massey. The Menard County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that Grayson is not receiving special treatment in jail.
The defense team has yet to file the appeal with the state Supreme Court. Massey’s family has called for new legislation in response to the incident. Grayson remains in custody pending trial, with the next hearing scheduled for October.
Source
Photo credit abc7news.com