PEORIA, Ill. - The former central Illinois deputy accused of fatally shooting Sonya Massey in her home last year is set to stand trial for murder starting this week.

Sean Grayson was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct for the July 6, 2024, shooting of Massey, an unarmed Black woman who had called 911 to report a suspected prowler. At the time, Grayson was a deputy for the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office.

The trial proceedings were set to begin in Peoria County on Monday. A judge ordered the change of venue from Sangamon County because of the intense publicity of the case.

If convicted, Grayson, 31, could face 45 years to life in prison for murder, six to 30 years for battery and two to five years for misconduct.

The killin

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