The trial involving the death of Sonya Massey began on October 22, 2025, in Peoria, Illinois. Former Illinois sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson is charged with three counts of first-degree murder and pleads not guilty, as he fired in self-defense. If he is convicted, he faces 45 years in prison. Prosecutors have already dismissed two charges, including aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct.
Boiling Water Confrontation
Grayson, a 31-year-old white man, is facing murder charges for shooting the 36-year-old black woman and single mother on July 6, 2024. Massey called 911 for help, concerned that a prowler was around her house. One of the responding officers was Grayson, who immediately showed hostility towards the confused victim. He, along with his partner Dawson Farley, followed her inside the house to confirm that there was no suspicious activity. A confrontation broke out once Grayson noticed the pot of boiling water on the stove and told Massey to remove it.
The jury watched the unedited version of Grayson’s body camera video of the encounter. It was not a pleasant video to witness and led jurors to wince and cover their mouths in disbelief. It showed Massey being shot three times, one fatal shot to the head. Before the gun was pulled, she is heard saying, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” He later told investigators he thought that statement meant she was going to kill him. He yelled for her to drop the pot before firing three shots, one just below the eye. Grayson did not watch the footage and held his head down throughout, while Massey’s mother left the room in tears.
Opening Statements
During opening statements, Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser informed the jury that the video they were about to see would show that there was no threat inside Massey’s home. He explained she had mental health problems and called 911, concerned about a prowler. “She’s a little scattered, but she’s nice and kind and talking to him, and you’ll see that interaction,” Milhiser said. “You will see what happens when the defendant gets mad at a woman who is in her kitchen and has called for help. He gets mad and shoots and kills her without lawful justification.”
“He did not follow his training. He did not follow police principles,” Milhiser added. The State intends to stress that this was pure murder and poor police conduct. However, Grayson’s attorney, Daniel Fultz, believes no crime has been committed. He told the jury that Grayson informed Massey to put down the pot of water before he would have to make “a decision no police officer wants to make.”
“Ms. Massey lifted the pot of water above her head, and the evidence will show that the use of force was reasonable under the circumstances without the benefit of 20/20 hindsight,” Fultz said. “What happened to Ms. Massey was a tragedy, but it was not a crime.”
Deputy Farley Testifies
Farley testified that he drew his weapon after Grayson due to department policy, which calls for a deputy to do so when their partner does, but he did not feel threatened. “She just never did or said anything that made me think she was a threat,” Farley said. “Looking across the room and seeing my partner draw his gun — it was the defendant’s actions that made me have a heightened sense of awareness.”
The defense attorney questioned Farley’s testimony as he initially reported days after the incident that he feared for his safety from the boiling water. Farley acknowledged this, but after Grayson was indicted, he wanted to amend his statement to the police to make sure it was known he pulled the gun in response to Grayson, not the boiling water. He clarified that Massey did not hold the pot chest-high, but that it was an oven mitt.
Supporters of Justice
Massey’s family is present in the courtroom and intends to be for the entirety of the trial. Lawyers representing them made a statement on their behalf: “The family of Sonya Massey continues to grieve her senseless death but also is fiercely committed to being present throughout the trial as they continue their hope for full justice for Sonya.” Outside the courtroom, Massey supporters march and hold up their signs to demand justice for her untimely death. “No justice, no peace. Prosecute the police,” they chanted.
The jury responsible for Deputy Grayson’s fate consists of 10 women and five men. Most of them said they are aware of the case through the media, but do not believe it will impact their ability to deliver an unbiased verdict. This case ignited a serious fight between black citizens and the police, who were not held accountable. Massey’s death, while senseless and far too soon, did bring change to Illinois law, which now requires complete transparency on the background of candidates to make them eligible for law enforcement jobs.
