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Bodycam Played as Partner Says He Didn’t Fear Sonya Massey in Ex‑Deputy Sean Grayson’s Murder Trial

Jurors in Peoria viewed the partner’s footage after prosecutors pared the case to three murder counts.

Overview

  • Former deputy Dawson Farley testified he did not view Massey as a threat and said he drew his gun only after Grayson did.
  • Unedited body‑worn video from Farley’s camera was shown in court because Grayson’s camera was off, and jurors saw the moments before and after the fatal shots.
  • An Illinois State Police investigator acknowledged evidence gaps, saying a third shell casing was found days later and the pot at issue was not collected for weeks.
  • Prosecutors argue Grayson shot Massey after getting angry during a routine call, while the defense says he fired in self‑defense fearing a pot of boiling water.
  • The trial was relocated from Springfield to Peoria, Grayson has pleaded not guilty to three first‑degree murder counts, and he faces 45 years to life if convicted.