PEORIA, Ill. – The murder trial of Sean Grayson is now in the hands of a Peoria County jury.
25 News reports closing arguments were held Tuesday morning in a packed court room that included family members of Sonya Massey. Grayson is the former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy charged with murder after responding to a police call to Massey’s Springfield home last July.
First Asst. State’s Attorney Mary Beth Rodgers gave the prosecution’s closing arguments. The arguments criticized witnesses by the defense, and stated that Grayson did not need to use deadly force, just because he is wearing a uniform.
Rodgers also mentioned Massey’s actions during the evening, saying that she was the one who said sorry, and that Massey was allowed to defend herself in her kitchen. She added that Grayson had no legal right to follow Massey and shoot her, and that Massey was never a threat, nor intended to provoke him.
Grayson’s defense attorney countered by arguing that Massey’s death was a tragedy, but not a crime, and urged the jury to not let emotions dictate the outcome.
Defense lawyers argued that the case hinges on whether Grayson’s use of force was justified under Illinois law to prevent death or great harm to himself. They also accused the deputy with Grayson on the police call of changing his report and story after murder charges were filed.
They concluded by arguing that Grayson took the stand and claimed he was not upset, and maintained a calm demeanor throughout the incident. They noted that Grayson believed Massey’s actions with a pot of water were a threat, and only fired after she picked up again after Grayson gave multiple warnings and commands to drop it.
Prosecutors gave a rebuttal to the defense, saying Massey’s death was a “senseless murder” and refuted claims from the defense. Prosecutors stated that while the defense told jurors to not let emotions dictate the outcome, Grayson “let emotions dictate his actions.”
Prosecutors also argued that if any other officer responded to the call, Massey would be alive today.
Jury instructions from Judge Ryan Cadigan give the jury the option to find Grayson guilty of either First Degree Murder or Second Degree Murder, which implies intent but no premeditation.
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