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Jury selection begins Monday in Peoria for former Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson, who has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and related charges in the July 6, 2024 fatal shooting of Sonya Massey. Moved after heavy publicity, the case centers on body-camera video a judge allowed to include post-shooting scenes, showing Grayson firing inside Massey’s home; state police later deemed the force unjustified. Prosecutors say he discouraged aid afterward. Fired and jailed, Grayson won a conditional release ruling now paused on appeal. Massey’s death also spurred Illinois to tighten police hiring reviews.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.