Overview
- The panel began deliberating late Tuesday in Peoria, asked to review both body‑camera recordings, and ended the day without a verdict, set to resume Wednesday.
- Jurors were instructed they may consider second‑degree murder as a lesser offense to first‑degree murder, with second‑degree carrying a potential sentence of four to 20 years.
- Prosecutors relied on the partner’s body‑camera, noting Grayson’s own camera wasn’t recording audio until after the shots and that his profane threat to Massey did not appear in his initial report.
- Grayson testified he fired because he believed Massey was about to throw boiling water and said he chose not to use a Taser over concerns it might not work given her clothing and distance.
- The case has drawn national attention, spurred protests, led to a $10 million settlement with Massey’s family, and helped prompt Illinois’ “Sonya Massey’s Bill” tightening police hiring checks.