Grayson to appear in Sangamon County court Monday. What to expect

A former Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy charged with murder will make his first traditional pre-trial court appearance at 9 a.m. Monday.

Sean P. Grayson, 30, fatally shot Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black woman and mother of two children inside her home in the 2800 block of Hoover Avenue in an unincorporated part of Woodside Township.

Grayson also has been charged with aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct . He has pleaded not guilty to all counts.

The body cam footage , released to the public a month ago, has caused an international outcry, with protests in major U.S. cities, as well as Springfield.

It also led the retirement of embattled Sheriff Jack Campbell and the formation of the Massey Committee

Here's what to expect:

What is a pre-trial call?

A pre-trial call, also known as a status hearing or a pre-trial conference, is a gathering with the judge, attorneys and defendant to go over the progress of the case.

This marks Grayson's first "traditional" pre-trial court appearance. He was present for his arraignment on charges on July 18 and he appeared via Zoom for his pre-trial detention hearing.

The attorneys and Presiding Circuit Judge Ryan Cadagin are expected to discuss the status of any motions, evidence or experts and they will set the next pre-trial call.

Who will be present?

In addition to Cadagin, it will most likely be First Assistant State's Attorney Mary Beth Rodgers for the state. Grayson's attorneys are Daniel Fultz and Mark Wykoff , both of Springfield.

At Grayson's arraignment, at least a dozen uniformed personnel were in the courtroom with several more deputies in the hallway.

Is Grayson still in custody?

Yes. Cadagin denied Grayson pre-trial release on Aug. 9.

The defense filed a notice of appeal on Wednesday regarding the decision.

Will Grayson be there?

Most likely. At his arraignment, Grayson sat handcuffed and shackled at the defense table.

What about Massey's family?

Members of Massey's family have been showing up at court hearings, many wearing t-shirts and buttons with her image.

There's no reason to think that won't be the case Monday.

Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie .

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Grayson to appear in Sangamon County court Monday. What to expect