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The second day of testimony is underway within the trial of ex-sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson, who faces homicide costs for fatally capturing a Black lady in her Illinois dwelling after she referred to as 911 for assist.
Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old single mom of two youngsters, referred to as emergency responders on July 6, 2024, over a suspected prowler on her property in Springfield. Grayson, a Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy on the time, responded to the scene along with his associate, Dawson Farley. Physique digital camera footage exhibits Grayson firing at Massey after telling her to drop a pot of sizzling water.
The jury reviewed photographs from Massey’s post-mortem on Thursday morning. Grayson appeared on the protection desk as a photograph of Massey’s gunshot wound was proven, WICS stories. A member of Massey’s household additionally left the courtroom because the court docket noticed a photograph of Massey’s mind.
Prosecutors additionally confirmed the jury proof from the scene of the capturing, together with the three bullet casings that have been discovered after Grayson fired three photographs at Massey. An Illinois State Police trooper who collected the proof additionally testified he discovered a field of ammunition on Massey’s countertop.
Grayson, who’s white, has pleaded not responsible to 3 counts of first-degree homicide. If convicted, he faces a sentence of 45 years to life in jail.
Recap: What to find out about Sean Grayson’s trial thus far
The second day of testimony has begun within the homicide trial of Sean Grayson, an ex-sheriff’s deputy who fatally shot Sonya Massey in her Springfield, Illinois, dwelling final 12 months after she referred to as 911 a few potential prowler.
A number of witnesses testified on Wednesday, together with Illinois State Police investigator Eric Weston, Sangamon County Dispatcher Kathryn Barton and retired Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Chief Anthony Mayfield.
Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Dawson Farley, who responded to Massey’s dwelling with Grayson, additionally took the stand.
Court docket resumed on Thursday morning with testimony from Illinois State Police troopers.
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Katie Hawkinson23 October 2025 14:29
Forensic pathologist says Massey may have survived gunshot wound
Forensic pathologist Nathaniel Patterson testified that Sonya Massey may have survived her gunshot wound if she had obtained fast medical remedy and the bleeding had been managed, WICS stories.
“She bled to dying by way of that transected carotid artery,” Patterson mentioned.
“In case you lose your left carotid artery, and you continue to have your proper, there’s an opportunity blood may nonetheless flow into should you tie off the left one,” he later added.
This comes after sheriff’s deputy Dawson Farley, who additionally responded to Massey’s dwelling the night time of the capturing, testified that Sean Grayson informed him first assist wasn’t obligatory as a result of Massey had been shot within the head, WAND Information reported.
“I used to be caught off guard by the remark, it wasn’t our coaching,” Farley mentioned.
Katie Hawkinson23 October 2025 16:56
Massey’s household reacts as post-mortem photographs proven
Pictures from Sonya Massey’s post-mortem at the moment are being proven in court docket.
A member of Massey’s household left the courtroom as a photograph of her mind was proven, in accordance with WICS.
Sean Grayson reportedly appeared down whereas a photograph of Massey’s gunshot wound was proven.
Katie Hawkinson23 October 2025 16:46
Post-mortem photographs proven in court docket
Dr. Nathaniel Patterson, a forensic pathologist, is now on the witness stand and explaining Sonya Massey’s post-mortem photographs to the jury.
The choose warned the gallery a couple of minutes prior that the following witness’s testimony may embody photographs that could possibly be “exhausting to have a look at,” in accordance with WICS.
“I’m fantastic with letting the gallery know that with the following witness, there will probably be photographs that will probably be exhausting to have a look at probably, simply so everybody’s on the identical web page about what’s to return,” he mentioned.
Katie Hawkinson23 October 2025 16:37
Attorneys communicate with choose about post-mortem photographs
Prosecutor John Milhiser and protection legal professional Mark Wykoff are discussing with the choose which photographs from Sonya Massey’s post-mortem could be proven to the jury.
Milhiser has argued the photographs are obligatory, whereas Wykoff has mentioned they are going to be repetitive and will inflame the jury, WICS stories.
Katie Hawkinson23 October 2025 16:24
Firearm identification skilled testifies
Hali Carls-Miller of the Illinois State Police Crime Lab is now testifying. She is an skilled in firearm and toolmark identification, WICS stories.
Carls-Miller testified that she decided the three fireplace cartridges discovered on the scene have been from Sean Grayson’s weapon.
Protection legal professional Mark Wykoff then cross-examined Carls-Miller. He mentioned that she “can’t assure” they have been fired Grayson’s weapon, in accordance with WICS.
“It’s my opinion they have been, primarily based on my coaching and expertise,” Carls-Miller responded.
Katie Hawkinson23 October 2025 16:09
Illinois State Police Trooper testifies about helping with proof
Illinois State Police Trooper Emily Maulding testified that she assisted Illinois State Police Trooper Adam Markwell with amassing proof after Sonya Massey was shot.
The proof Maulding helped course of included the gown Massey wore the night time she was killed, WICS stories.
Maulding’s testimony was transient, and Sean Grayson’s attorneys didn’t cross-examine her.
Katie Hawkinson23 October 2025 15:51
Illinois State Police trooper confirms proof discovered at scene
Prosecutor Mary Beth Rodgers requested Illinois State Police trooper Adam Markwell to determine some items of proof he collected on the scene.
These included two bullet casings discovered on the scene initially, in addition to a 3rd bullet casing discovered on the scene two days later, WICS stories.
Markwell additionally testified that he was current for Sonya Massey’s post-mortem.
Protection legal professional Mark Wykoff briefly cross-examined Markwell, asking him about different items of proof. Markwell testified he additionally discovered an ammunition field with 41 bullets on Massey’s countertop, in accordance with WAND Information.
Katie Hawkinson23 October 2025 15:35
Sonya Massey’s son enters courtroom
Sonya Massey’s son, Malachi Hill-Massey, has entered the courtroom, in accordance with WICS.
Katie Hawkinson23 October 2025 15:14
Illinois State trooper processed proof after capturing
Illinois State Police trooper Adam Markwell processed and picked up proof from Sean Grayson and his associate, Dawson Farley, after the capturing, in accordance with WICS.
The proof he collected is now being proven in court docket.
Katie Hawkinson23 October 2025 15:08












