Judge denies pretrial release for former deputy charged in Sonya Massey killing

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy, who was charged with murder in the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Sonya Massey, will remain jailed after appearing again in court on Monday.

It was early in July when Sean Grayson responded to Massey’s home, located just outside of Springfield, after she reported a prowler.

Deputy-worn body camera footage, released later that month, showed the 30-year-old Grayson opening fire on Massey as she handled a pot of boiling water on her kitchen stove. After the shooting, Grayson was heard on the footage telling the other deputy present not to grab an available medical kit.

He was fired afterward, and the publicly released footage caused international outcry.

Grayson has since been charged with first-degree murder, among other felonies, and he appeared in court via video call from the Menard County Jail in Petersburg.

“The judge made a decision at the outset of the case to detain Mr. Grayson,” said Mark Wyckoff, Grayson’s defense attorney.

Wyckoff told reporters at the Sangamon County Courthouse that an appeal for pretrial release was denied. It may be months before hearing the results of a second appeal.

Present in the courthouse on Monday: Massey’s family, including her uncle, Shadia Massey, who said they will be there “for every court date.”

“Every time Sean Grayson is scheduled for court, you will see the Massey family,” Shadia Massey said.

Sonya Massey’s uncle, Raymond, echoed that sentiment and added that nothing surprising happened during Monday’s hearing.

A media request was made for extended coverage during Grayson’s trial. His defense team will have 30 days to provide their input on that request to the judge.

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