Nationwide — The homicide trial of former Illinois sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson, accused of killing an unarmed African American lady named Sonya Massey in her dwelling final July, might be relocated from town of Springfield to town of Peoria. A decide lately accepted the change, citing considerations about media affect and public opinion within the capital metropolis.
Grayson, 30, is charged with first-degree homicide for the July 6, 2024, capturing of Sonya Massey, 36. Massey had known as 911 to report a suspected prowler at her Springfield dwelling when Grayson, responding to the decision, fatally shot her. The case has gained nationwide consideration as one other instance of police violence in opposition to unarmed Black people.
In response to the Associated Press, Grayson’s attorneys argued that native protection, public protests, and a $10 million settlement between Sangamon County and Massey’s household had created a biased surroundings. They claimed it will be arduous to search out an neutral jury within the space as a result of sturdy opinions in regards to the case.
Choose Ryan Cadagin agreed, and the trial will now be held in Peoria, a close-by metropolis about 73 miles north of Springfield. Prosecutors didn’t oppose the transfer.
Activists and Massey’s household have been current at each courtroom listening to. After the ruling, native activist Teresa Haley mentioned, “Location doesn’t change the result. He assassinated her, and I believe anyone in America will agree that he ought to be sentenced to life, in order that’s what we’re going for.”
The decide agreed, and the trial will now happen in Peoria, a close-by metropolis with an identical inhabitants dimension. Regardless of a state appellate courtroom ruling that Grayson ought to be launched underneath new bond guidelines, he stays in custody whereas the case is underneath assessment by the state Supreme Courtroom.
A listening to has been set for April 23 to schedule the trial date. Grayson appeared in courtroom briefly in jail apparel, drawing a response from Massey’s cousin, who discovered his demeanor unsettling.
This comes a number of weeks after Massey’s family reached a $10 million settlement with Sangamon County, the biggest civil rights payout within the county’s historical past.
