PEORIA, Ill – Attorneys for former Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson have withdrawn their motion to limit the Massey Commission’s activities in Peoria, where Grayson will be tried this fall for Sonya Massey’s murder.
25 News reports Grayson’s lawyers asked the court to order the Massey Commission to “cease and desist” from holding public forums about the case in Peoria because the forums might taint the jury pool.
Grayson’s trial, scheduled for October, was moved to Peoria because of extensive media coverage in Springfield.
Grayson was seen on police body camera video shooting and killing Massey inside her home in July 2024. Massey had called police for help during an apparent mental health crisis.
Defense attorney Mark Wykoff Sr. explained to WAND TV the reason for withdrawing the “cease and desist” motion.
“Sometimes matters resolve themselves before the need to seek court intervention,” Wykoff said in a statement.
The Massey Commission was formed by Sangamon County in September 2024 following her death to address systemic racism and mistrust in law enforcement and other helping professions. The commission has made a number of recommendations to county officials.
Meantime, the defense has filed a motion that suggests Grayson acted in self-defense. The motion alleged Massey “directed an act of violence” against Grayson by throwing boiling water in his direction.
Springfield civil rights activist Teresa Haley blasted the defense strategy, noting Sonya Massey is not on trial.
“She was a young lady who had mental health issues. And this is not to say that all of us have someone in our family with mental health issues, but to bring that out and to be a reason to dismiss the case is disgusting,” said Haley.
The next pretrial hearing is scheduled for Sept. 12, and Massey’s cousin Sontae knows difficult times are ahead.
“It’s going to be emotional, but, you know, we just have to keep fighting. We’re not going to stop fighting. And I’m sure they’re not going to stop throwing things out there to try to dismiss this case. We’re more than willing to keep it going as long as it takes,” Sontae Massey said.
“You know, everyone’s seen the video and if you haven’t seen it, we remind you to go see it again. This was so egregious that people, it’s touched everyone. We want everyone to just take a look, make your own decisions. We know that we’re on the right side of this, and we’ll continue to fight,” Sontae Massey added.
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