The murder trial of Sean Grayson resumed Monday after an emotional first week.
The State rested its case, and Grayson shocked many by taking the stand to testify. Witnesses also included use of force experts and a colleague of Grayson’s.
Grayson is charged with first-degree murder in the 2024 shooting of 36-year-old Sonya Massey. He also faces a possible second-degree charge, as of Monday.
Here’s what happened on Monday, Oct. 27.
Sean Grayson testifies, says he considered using a Taser on Sonya Massey
On the stand, Grayson said he considered using a Taser on Massey but wasn’t sure if it would work given his distance from her and the layer of clothes she had on. He said, “A Taser doesn’t work on everybody,” explaining that he had used it on a subject before but it hadn’t worked.
Sangamon County deputy says Grayson was ‘panicked’ after the shooting
Defense witness Dep. Jason Eccleston of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office said Grayson was “panicked” and breathing heavily when he met him after the shooting. Eccleston said Grayson “started sobbing at my (squad) car” after he found him in the middle of the road at the scene.
Eccleston said he told Grayson to be quiet and relax and proceeded to spend the next four to five hours with Grayson.
Use of force experts says Grayson’s actions were ‘appropriate,’ a ‘successful de-escalation’
Use of force expert Glyn Corbitt said in his testimony that, based on policies and principles, Grayson’s discharge of his firearm against Massey was “appropriate,” describing the shooting as “a successful de-escalation.”
Another use of force expert, Kevin Davis, similarly said Grayson’s actions were in line with the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office lethal use of force policy and other generally accepted police practices. He said there would have been de-escalation if Massey had put down the pot, and claimed video is only “part of the evidence.”
State Attorney John Milhiser noted some of the language Davis wrote in his report on the shooting, including calling Massey “clearly aggressive and attacking.”
Defense rests, second-degree murder added to jury instructions
The defense rested after Davis’ testimony, and closing arguments are set for Tuesday.
Judge Cadagin said second-degree murder, which involves intent without premeditation, will now be part of the jury’s instructions.
Grayson could be sentenced for first-degree, which carries a 45-year to life sentence; second degree, which is 4 to 20 years or be acquitted.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Prosecution rests, Sean Grayson takes the stand. See what happened Monday in his murder trial
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall and Steven Spearie, USA TODAY NETWORK / State Journal-Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
