IL - Sonya Massey Shot To Death In Her Own Home by Sangamon County Deputy After Calling to Report a Prowler, Springfield 6 July 2024

[DS2021]

Sean Grayson Trial: Day 7 Blog - Capitol City Now

Closing arguments Tuesday, and jury deliberations will start. Check back to this post today for the latest updates.

capitolcitynow.com

4:05pm: We’re being allowed back into the courtroom, but there is not believed to be a verdict.

 

[DS2021]

Sean Grayson Trial: Day 7 Blog - Capitol City Now

Closing arguments Tuesday, and jury deliberations will start. Check back to this post today for the latest updates.

capitolcitynow.com

4:05pm: We’re being allowed back into the courtroom, but there is not believed to be a verdict.

4:10pm: Jury questions: Jury wanted to see body camera video, photos, use of force policy. Sangamon County policy is to have them view that video in the courtroom with the attorneys present, but no communications.

Some of the things they asked for weren’t in evidence, but they were brought in to a locked courtroom to be told that.

Question two: Has something to do with two pages should be taken separately or together? We’re not sure that that’s regarding. But defense is researching and needs a little more time.

 

[tlcya]

I am a nervous wreck. On the one hand I think What is taking them so long? What if there is a lone holdout on murder one? On the other I am hoping it means they are taking their time and doing the job right, taking it seriously.

 

[tlcya]

4:12 p.m. Judge Cadagin goes over the evidence the jury asked to review, including Grayson and Dep. Farley's body cam footage. Some of the items the jury asked to see weren't admitted into evidence. We are taking a short break for the attorneys to go over some logistics.
Day 7: closing arguments, jury deliberation in Sean Grayson trial for July 2024 murder

 

[tlcya]

Facebook

 

[tlcya]

What does "I rebuke you" mean in the name of Jesus?

Like if someone told me they'd hurt me, I might say I rebuke you in the name of Jesus. That's meant to mean Jesus will protect me from you, and he will release you from your hardened heart (or yes, a demon)

Not a threat, a prayer

Thinking of Sonya's family, the waiting has to be torture. I am glad they have good support.

 

[DS2021]

4:10pm: Jury questions: Jury wanted to see body camera video, photos, use of force policy. Sangamon County policy is to have them view that video in the courtroom with the attorneys present, but no communications.

Some of the things they asked for weren’t in evidence, but they were brought in to a locked courtroom to be told that.

Question two: Has something to do with two pages should be taken separately or together? We’re not sure that that’s regarding. But defense is researching and needs a little more time.

4:19pm: Apparently a jury instruction was given in error, and ASA Mary Beth Rodgers says it could be withdrawn. Judge says that’s a possibility, inform jury of withdrawal. Fultz says the instructions deal with “two different factual scenarios,” and simply respond that jury has been instructed on the law, and to follow those instructions.

Rodgers: One was submitted in error, but caselaw doesn’t support introducing a new theory in the case. Jury signals there’s confusion between the two instructions, and the one causing confusion should be withdrawn. Judge: “We don’t know what they’re considering and not considering, right?”

Rodgers wants withdrawal or shorter instruction. Defense wants written answer. Defense objects because it’s gone already to the jury. Cadigan wants both sides “memorialized” for the record, while the judge can make a decision.

 

[DS2021]

4:19pm: Apparently a jury instruction was given in error, and ASA Mary Beth Rodgers says it could be withdrawn. Judge says that’s a possibility, inform jury of withdrawal. Fultz says the instructions deal with “two different factual scenarios,” and simply respond that jury has been instructed on the law, and to follow those instructions.

Rodgers: One was submitted in error, but caselaw doesn’t support introducing a new theory in the case. Jury signals there’s confusion between the two instructions, and the one causing confusion should be withdrawn. Judge: “We don’t know what they’re considering and not considering, right?”

Rodgers wants withdrawal or shorter instruction. Defense wants written answer. Defense objects because it’s gone already to the jury. Cadigan wants both sides “memorialized” for the record, while the judge can make a decision.

4:37pm: The defense submits one potential answer, the prosecution submits another. Defense: “You have heard all the testimony and received all of the instructions. Please continue to deliberate.” Judge says he agrees with both sides. Use defense answer, but also answer with specificity. Tell the jury they are two separate instructions — one regarding use of force is justified, one when it’s not justified. Both are accurate and can be given. Instructions say you should not single out instructions and ignore others. The jury wants to know if one instruction is a “continuation” of another, or if they’re separate. Judge says maybe the response is “These are two separate instructions, and you have heard all the testimony and received all the evidence. Please continue to deliberate.”

Milhiser suggests “just answer the question.” He says it answers the jury’s question. “It is a simple question,” says Cadigan, so we need to give a simple answer. “They’re two separate instructions. The second page is not a continuation of the first page,” Cadigan proposes writing.

The instructions deal with the justification of use of force.

Deliberations will continue

 

[DS2021]

Sean Grayson Trial: Day 7 Blog - Capitol City Now

Closing arguments Tuesday, and jury deliberations will start. Check back to this post today for the latest updates.

capitolcitynow.com

6:16pm: Deliberations are paused until 9am tomorrow.

 

[DS2021]

Sean Grayson Trial: Day 7 Blog - Capitol City Now

Closing arguments Tuesday, and jury deliberations will start. Check back to this post today for the latest updates.

capitolcitynow.com

6:16pm: Deliberations are paused until 9am tomorrow.

Day 2 of deliberations should've began an hour ago. Hopefully today's the day

 

[DS2021]

Day 2 of deliberations should've began an hour ago. Hopefully today's the day

9:05am: Jury returned at 8:28am. Two questions, one about a list of evidence, and one asking to see another exhibit. They’re being given what they asked for.

 

[tlcya]

Jury has asked for Grayson's previous employment and training history. They've also requested some of the evidence used in trial but it is unknown what specific evidence they've requested.

 

[DS2021]

9:05am: Jury returned at 8:28am. Two questions, one about a list of evidence, and one asking to see another exhibit. They’re being given what they asked for.

Day 8 live update blog

Sean Grayson Trial: Day 8 Blog - Capitol City Now

More jury deliberations. Click here for real-time updates as they become available.

capitolcitynow.com

 

[tlcya]

not a peep from the jury since their requests this morning. Not sure if that is a good or bad thing.

 

[DS2021]

2:19 a verdict has been reached!!

Day 8 live update blog

Sean Grayson Trial: Day 8 Blog - Capitol City Now

More jury deliberations. Click here for real-time updates as they become available.

capitolcitynow.com

 

[DS2021]

2:19 a verdict has been reached!!

Guilty of 2nd degree murder

 

[mickey2942]

Sean Grayson found guilty of murder in the death of Sonya Massey

Sean Grayson, a former Illinois sheriff’s deputy, was on trial in the 2024 killing of Massey, a Black mother of two who had called 911 about a possible prowler.

www.nbcnews.com

 

[PrairieWind]

I am happy to see the 2nd degree conviction. I am a bit concerned over these issues regarding the jury instructions. I have not been able to look at this very closely however. Improper jury instructions are among the leading reasons for overturned criminal convictions. Had both parties agreed to the solution to the wrong instruction?

 

[DS2021]

I am happy to see the 2nd degree conviction. I am a bit concerned over these issues regarding the jury instructions. I have not been able to look at this very closely however. Improper jury instructions are among the leading reasons for overturned criminal convictions. Had both parties agreed to the solution to the wrong instruction?

Sean Grayson Trial: Day 7 Blog - Capitol City Now

Closing arguments Tuesday, and jury deliberations will start. Check back to this post today for the latest updates.

capitolcitynow.com

This may help

 

[tlcya]

I am personally disappointed in the verdict. he stands to serve four to twenty years with time served awaiting trial and day for day good behavior time allowances he could be behind bars for only a couple of years. Or the judge could decide to give Grayson probation and time served. That, to me, seems so wrong it is hard to articulate

Praying for peace as the community absorbs this news. And big prayers for the Massey family.
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Sangamon County Circuit Judge Ryan Cadagin gave the nine women and three men of the jury the second-degree option before they began deliberations. Grayson and Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser both agreed to offer the potential alternative.
[snip]
Second-degree murder charges carry a potential prison sentence of four to 20 years, with the possibility of a 50% reduction in time served with good behavior. A second-degree murder conviction also gives a judge Cadagin the option to sentence Grayson to probation and no prison time. Sentencing is set for 9 a.m. Jan. 29 in Sangamon County.
Verdict in Sean Grayson trial - Illinois Times, the capital city's weekly source of news, politics, arts, entertainment, culture