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Jury Weighs Murder Charges Against Ex-Deputy in Sonya Massey Killing

Jurors requested to review body-camera footage during deliberations that allow first- or second-degree murder.

Overview

  • Deliberations began Tuesday in Peoria and will resume Wednesday after jurors ended the day without a verdict.
  • Jurors asked to rewatch both deputies’ recordings, including side-by-side, with Grayson’s camera capturing only moments before the shooting.
  • Judge instructions permit a verdict of first-degree or second-degree murder, with first-degree carrying a potential 45 years to life in prison.
  • Prosecutors argued Massey was complying when shot and highlighted Grayson’s threat to “shoot her in the face,” while the defense said he fired in self-defense over a perceived boiling-water attack.
  • Grayson testified he chose his firearm over a Taser he believed might fail, and the case—moved to Peoria for fairness—follows a $10 million settlement and a new Illinois law on police hiring disclosures.