Jury selection began Monday in Peoria for former deputy Sean Grayson, charged with murdering Sonya Massey, 36, who was fatally shot after calling about a prowler in July 2024. Body-cam footage shows two deputies; Grayson wrote he fired three times, fearing harm because she held boiling water and said, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” He was fired, pleaded not guilty, and remains jailed. The trial was moved from Sangamon County amid media concerns and is expected to last one to two weeks. Protesters rallied outside; in February, officials approved a $10 million settlement for her family.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.