Attorneys for former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson have filed a motion saying Sonya Massey “directed an act of violence” at Grayson by throwing boiling water at him before he fatally shot her in self-defense.
The motion was filed on Wednesday in Sangamon County court ahead of a status hearing scheduled for Friday. Grayson is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Massey in her Springfield home in July 2024.
Another motion asks Judge Ryan Cadigan to direct the Massey Commission to cease and desist public forums about the case in Peoria, where the trial has been moved.
Grayson was moved back to the Sangamon County Jail from Macon County on Wednesday. Sangamon County Sheriff Paula Crouch said the transfer to a secure unit in Springfield was to accommodate Grayson’s medical procedures and appointments and operational needs of the sheriff’s department.
Crouch said Grayson is expected to remain in the Sangamon County Jail until his trial begins on October 20 in Peoria.
