Grayson Trial Begins; Some Charges Dropped

The murder trial of former Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson began in Peoria County with jury selection as protests gathered outside the courthouse; a change of venue was ordered because of national attention. Grayson, who has pleaded not guilty, now faces three first-degree murder counts after a judge agreed to drop aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct charges. Investigators released body-worn camera video that they say shows Sonya Massey pleading "Please, don't hurt me," a confrontation over a pot of boiling water, Grayson threatening her, and three shots that struck Massey in the face/head; authorities describe her death as a homicide. The case is expected to hinge on that video and expert testimony about use of force, but the judge barred prosecution experts from testifying about national law-enforcement "best practices," limiting testimony to the department's policies and Grayson's training. Massey's family disputes the self-defense claim and advocates say the case highlights accountability issues in the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office.