Former Illinois Deputy Charged with Murder of Sonya Massey Remains in Jail as Judge Rejects Bail Request

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - A judge has denied the request for bail by Sean Grayson, the former deputy charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey. Grayson, who is also battling colon cancer, sought release on bail to receive medical treatment but his request was rejected on Friday.

The judge overseeing the case, Ryan M. Cadagin, Presiding Circuit Judge of Sangamon County, deemed electronic monitoring insufficient to adequately protect the community from Grayson. Cadagin described the former deputy as a "real and present threat." Grayson's attorneys argued that the Menard County Jail, where he is currently detained, does not have the medical staff capable of providing the necessary care for his condition.

Grayson's motion also highlighted that all firearms and weapons had been removed from his home and that he no longer had access to weapons through the sheriff's office since his termination. His attorneys further stated that there was no reason to believe he would have contact with Massey's family or engage in violence if released. Additionally, Grayson had a low score on a pretrial risk assessment and was scheduled to be married in October.

During the virtual hearing, Grayson appeared remotely. At his arraignment last month, the judge granted the prosecution's request to keep Grayson in custody. The judge cited Grayson's comments before and after the shooting, including disparaging remarks about Massey and instructing another deputy not to provide aid, as evidence that no condition would be sufficient for his release.

In a separate development on Friday, Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell announced his resignation, stating that the current political climate had made it nearly impossible for him to effectively continue in his role. Campbell's decision came in response to calls from Massey's family and others demanding his resignation.

Since the shooting of Massey, Campbell had been proactive and transparent, working tirelessly to present all the facts to the public. However, threats aimed at his life, his family's lives, and the lives of his deputies had made it clear that his resignation was necessary to preserve the health and well-being of all involved.

Massey's tragic killing occurred on July 6 when she called 911 to report a suspected prowler. Grayson and another deputy responded, but the encounter ended with Grayson shooting Massey in the head. Grayson claimed that he believed Massey intended to cause him harm when she uttered, "I rebuke you in the name of Jesus" while standing near a pot of hot liquid. However, both the Sheriff and prosecutors have maintained that Grayson's use of force was not justified.

Grayson, who was 6-foot-3 and 228 pounds, shot Massey, who was 5-foot-4 and 112 pounds, according to her autopsy report. Following the shooting, Grayson discouraged the other deputy from offering aid, citing the severity of Massey's injuries. However, the deputy disregarded Grayson's directive and stayed with Massey until medical assistance arrived.

Grayson was subsequently fired from the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office on July 17. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct.

The case of Sean Grayson and the tragic death of Sonya Massey have drawn national attention, with protests highlighting concerns over police violence against Black individuals in their own residences.