PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) – The fourth day of testimony in the Sean Grayson murder trial brought several law enforcement witnesses to the stand Thursday.
Grayson, a former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy, is charged with three counts of first-degree murder for allegedly shooting and killing Sonya Massey in her home on July 6, 2024.
25 News reports that Illinois State Police Crime Scene Technician Adam Markwell testified about collecting three shell casings from the scene. He said he returned two days later to retrieve a third casing after reviewing body camera footage. Markwell also attended Massey’s autopsy to collect evidence.
Fellow crime scene investigator Emily Maulding showed the court a blood-covered robe and described collecting additional evidence from Massey’s home.
Dr. Nathaniel Patterson, a forensic pathologist, testified that Massey died from a gunshot wound to her left eye. The bullet injured her carotid artery, causing fatal bleeding. Patterson said the wound could have been “potentially survivable” if bleeding had been controlled immediately through surgery.
Toxicology results showed Massey tested positive for THC and Gabapentin, substances that can cause confusion and lethargy.
Sgt. Anthony Rigano of the Elgin Police Department, a crisis intervention training expert, testified that officers who complete this training are seven times less likely to hurt themselves or others. He emphasized the importance of mature officers who act with confidence rather than arrogance.
Retired police chief Lou Dekmar, with 50 years of law enforcement experience, testified that Grayson violated crisis intervention protocols and Sangamon County policy. Dekmar said Massey was clearly in a mental health crisis and criticized Grayson for escalating the situation and using disproportionate force.
Defense attorney James Wykoff challenged Dekmar’s testimony, arguing that Grayson faced an immediate threat and had a different perspective while navigating an unfamiliar home.
The trial continues Friday morning at 9 a.m. and is expected to last up to two weeks.
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