Sonya Massey trial live: Opening statements set for ex-Illinois deputy accused of killing Black woman in her own home

Opening statements are due to begin in the trial of an Illinois police officer charged in the fatal shooting of a Black woman in her own home after she called 911 for help.

Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old single mother of two teenagers, called emergency responders on July 6, 2024, over a suspected prowler at her property in Springfield. Sean Grayson, 31, a former deputy for the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department in central Illinois, responded to the scene with another deputy.

Body camera footage shows Grayson firing at Massey after confronting her about how she was handling a pot of hot water on the stove.

Grayson, who is white, has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he faces a sentence of 45 years to life in prison. Prosecutors previously dismissed single counts of aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct.

Massey’s death led to protests around the country and attracted attention from lawmakers at all levels. This included former President Joe Biden, who shared his condolences and said Massey’s death “reminds us that all too often Black Americans face fears for their safety in ways many of the rest of us do not.”