Nationwide — The murder trial of former Illinois sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson, accused of killing an unarmed African American woman named Sonya Massey in her home last July, will be relocated from the city of Springfield to the city of Peoria. A judge recently approved the change, citing concerns about media influence and public opinion in the capital city.
According to the Associated Press, Grayson’s attorneys argued that local coverage, public protests, and a $10 million settlement between Sangamon County and Massey’s family had created a biased environment. They claimed it would be hard to find an impartial jury in the area due to strong opinions about the case.
Judge Ryan Cadagin agreed, and the trial will now be held in Peoria, a nearby city about 73 miles north of Springfield. Prosecutors did not oppose the move.
Activists and Massey’s family have been present at every court hearing. After the ruling, local activist Teresa Haley said, “Location does not change the outcome. He assassinated her, and I think anybody in America will agree that he should be sentenced to life, so that’s what we’re going for.”
The judge agreed, and the trial will now take place in Peoria, a nearby city with a similar population size. Despite a state appellate court ruling that Grayson should be released under new bond rules, he remains in custody while the case is under review by the state Supreme Court.
A hearing has been set for April 23 to schedule the trial date. Grayson appeared in court briefly in jail attire, drawing a reaction from Massey’s cousin, who found his demeanor unsettling.
This comes a few weeks after Massey’s family reached a $10 million settlement with Sangamon County, the largest civil rights payout in the county’s history.