Sonya Massey could have been saved after Sean Grayson shot her at home, court hears: Trial Day 4 recap

The second day of testimony has ended in the trial of ex-sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson, who faces murder charges for fatally shooting a Black woman in her Illinois home after she called 911 for help.

Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old single mother of two teenagers, called emergency responders on July 6, 2024, over a suspected prowler on her property in Springfield. Grayson, a Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy at the time, responded to the scene with his partner, Dawson Farley. Body camera footage shows Grayson firing at Massey after telling her to drop a pot of hot water.

Dr. Nathaniel Patterson, a forensic pathologist with the Sangamon County Coroner's office, testified Thursday that Massey could have survived the gunshot wound if medical aid had been given soon afterward and the bleeding had been controlled, according to WICS. He also said it’s true that some people still die after receiving medical treatment for a cut internal carotid artery.

Expert witness Louis Dekmar, a retired police chief from LaGrange, Georgia, also told the court that he reviewed body camera footage of the shooting. Dekmar testified he did not see any threatening behavior from Massey before Grayson pointed his gun at her, according to WICS.

Grayson, who is white, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree murder.

Key Points

• Recap: Second day of testimony ends in Sean Grayson's trial
• Forensic pathologist says Sonya Massey could have survived gunshot wound
• Massey was not a 'credible threat,' expert witness says
• Massey's family reacts as autopsy photos shown
• Body camera footage shows moments before Sonya Massey was killed

Recap: What to know about Sean Grayson's trial so far

14:29 , Katie Hawkinson

The second day of testimony has ended in the murder trial of Sean Grayson, an ex-sheriff’s deputy who fatally shot Sonya Massey in her Springfield, Illinois, home last year after she called 911 about a potential prowler.

Forensic pathologist Nathaniel Patterson testified Thursday that Massey could have survived her gunshot wound if medical aid had been given soon afterward and the bleeding had been controlled, according to WICS. Patterson also said some people still die after receiving medical treatment for a cut internal carotid artery.

This comes after Dawson Farley, a sheriff’s deputy who responded to Massey’s home with Grayson, testified about the incident on Wednesday. Farley said Grayson told him first aid wasn’t necessary because Massey had been shot in the head, according to WAND News. Farley noted that he rendered first aid and later heard a sergeant, who arrived after the shooting, say nothing could be done. Massey was still breathing as this happened, Farley reportedly testified.

The court also heard testimony from expert witness Louis Dekmar, a retired police chief from LaGrange, Georgia, on Thursday. Dekmar said he determined Massey did not show threatening behavior before Grayson drew his weapon, according to WICS. Dekmar also testified that he determined Grayson did not apply crisis intervention training tactics and violated department policies, WICS reports.

Court ends

22:59 , Katie Hawkinson

Court has ended for the day, and this live blog is now paused.

Opening statements to begin in the murder trial of Sonya Massey

Wednesday 22 October 2025 14:00 , Mike Bedigan

Opening statements are due to begin in the trial of an Illinois police officer who fatally shot a Black woman in her own home, after she called 911 for help.

Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old single mother of two teenagers, called emergency responders on July 6 2024 over a suspected prowler at her property in Springfield – and killed following an apparent misunderstanding over a hot pan of water.

Sean Grayson, 31, a former deputy for the Sangamon County Sheriff's Department in central Illinois, has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder over the incident.

Grayson, who is white has pleaded not guilty to all three counts.

Follow along with The Independent’s live coverage here.

Jurors sworn in earlier this week

Wednesday 22 October 2025 14:15 , Katie Hawkinson

The jury — which is made up of 10 women and five men, including three alternates – was sworn in earlier this week.

They’ll be hearing testimony over the next week and a half. Opening statements are set to begin later this morning.

Watch: Body camera footage shows moments before Sonya Massey was killed

Wednesday 22 October 2025 14:48 , Katie Hawkinson

Lesser charges against Sean Grayson dropped

Wednesday 22 October 2025 14:56 , Katie Hawkinson

Sean Grayson, the 31-year-old former deputy on trial for Sonya Massey’s murder, was initially charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery and official misconduct.

However, a judge agreed to drop the aggravated battery and official misconduct charges on Tuesday, CBS Chicago reports. Grayson will now be tried only on three counts of first-degree murder.

He has pleaded not guilty.

Sonya Massey's family arrives in court

Wednesday 22 October 2025 15:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Thirteen of Sonya Massey’s friends and family members have arrived in court, according to local media outlet WICS.

This group includes her mother, Donna Massey, and her aunt, Ramona Massey.

Nine of Sean Grayson’s family and friends have also arrived.

Judge and jury enter courtroom

Wednesday 22 October 2025 15:12 , Katie Hawkinson

Judge Ryan Cadagin and the jury have entered the courtroom, according to local media reports.

Opening statements are set to begin shortly.

Prosecution gives opening statement

Wednesday 22 October 2025 15:19 , Katie Hawkinson

Sangamon County State Attorney John Milhiser has started his opening statement.

Milhiser walked the jury through a timeline of the shooting and explained the first-degree murder charges against Sean Grayson, according to local outlet WICS.

“It will be clear that the defendant, without lawful justification, in the home of Sonya Massey, shot and killed her,” Milhiser said in court. “He did not follow training, he did not follow policies, and is guilty of first-degree murder."

Defense gives opening statement

Wednesday 22 October 2025 15:34 , Katie Hawkinson

Sean Grayson’s defense attorney, Daniel Fultz, is addressing the jury now, according to WICS.

"There is no crime if you decide the shooting was lawful,” he told the jury.

Fultz addressed the pot of hot water Sonya Massey was handling moments before she was killed.

Body camera footage from that night shows Grayson ordering Massey to remove a pot of hot water from her stove.

When Grayson moved away, Massey asked him why. He said that he was trying to avoid the hot water, and Massey responded: “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” Grayson later said he interpreted this to mean “she was going to kill me,” according to the Associated Press.

Grayson then told Massey to drop the pot. She put the pot down and apologized, but appeared to pick it up again in the confusion as Grayson shouted, the AP reports. Shortly afterward, Grayson fired three shots at Massey.

"The evidence will show, even though his orders were firm, unequivocal, and repeated, Ms Massey made the decision to lift the pot of boiling water over her head and throw it at Deputy Grayson,” Fultz told the jury. “It was only at that moment that Deputy Grayson discharged his weapon."

Sean Grayson's partner to testify

Wednesday 22 October 2025 15:47 , Katie Hawkinson

Several witnesses are expected to testify today in Sean Grayson’s murder trial, including Deputy Dawson Farley.

Farley was Grayson’s partner and responded to Sonya Massey’s home with him last year.

Illinois State Police investigator Eric Weston is also expected to testify.

First witness called

Wednesday 22 October 2025 15:52 , Katie Hawkinson

Prosecutors have called Illinois State Police investigator Eric Weston to the stand.

Weston testified that he’s supervised investigations into more than a dozen officer-involved shootings, local outlet WICS reports.

State investigator recounts watching body camera footage

Wednesday 22 October 2025 16:05 , Katie Hawkinson

Illinois State Police investigator Eric Weston told the court he reviewed the body camera footage from Sean Grayson and his partner, Deputy Dawson Farley, shortly after the shooting.

Weston testified that, after watching the footage, he couldn’t immediately determine whether Grayson was justified in firing at Sonya Massey, WICS reports. Weston said he then told Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser about the incident.

State police investigator describes chaotic scene in aftermath of shooting

Wednesday 22 October 2025 16:19 , Katie Hawkinson

Illinois State Police investigator Eric Weston described the immediate aftermath of Sean Grayson shooting Sonya Massey.

Weston said he arrived at Massey’s home around 3 a.m. He testified that “not a lot was known,” but was told an officer fired his gun after a pot of water was thrown at him, according to WAND News.

Weston explained that the officers involved were required to take blood and urine tests, as well as turn over their body cameras.

The subsequent investigation was “all hands on deck,” Weston said.

Illinois State Police investigator cross-examined

Wednesday 22 October 2025 16:37 , Katie Hawkinson

Defense attorney Mark Wykoff is now cross-examining Illinois State Police investigator Eric Weston.

Wykoff noted that Weston wasn’t present for the whole investigation, but rather supervised it, WICS reports.

Prosecutor John Milhiser also objected to one of Wykoff’s questions about Weston forming assumptions about the incident based on the body camera footage. Wykoff rephrased, and the initial question was struck from the record, according to WICS.

Illinois State Police investigator describes Sean Grayson's training

Wednesday 22 October 2025 16:40 , Katie Hawkinson

Illinois State Police investigator Eric Weston testified that Sean Grayson took a Crisis Intervention Training course in 2023, WICS reports.

He noted that Grayson worked in six different departments between 2020 and 2024.

Court in recess

Wednesday 22 October 2025 16:54 , Katie Hawkinson

Illinois State Police investigator Eric Weston has finished testifying.

The court is now on a short break as prosecutors prepare to call a second witness.

County dispatcher called to stand

Wednesday 22 October 2025 17:01 , Katie Hawkinson

Prosecutors have called Kathryn Barton, a Sangamon County dispatcher, to the stand.

911 call played in court

Wednesday 22 October 2025 17:14 , Katie Hawkinson

Kathryn Barton, a Sangamon County dispatcher, is testifying in court.

Massey called 911 to report a suspected prowler the night she was killed.

“It sounded like there was someone outside the residence making noise on the side of the house,” Barton testified, according to WICS.

The audio of Massey’s 911 call was then played in court.

Court breaks for lunch

Wednesday 22 October 2025 17:16 , Katie Hawkinson

The court is now on a lunch break. Testimony is set to resume at 1 p.m. local time.

Watch: Body camera footage shows moments before Sonya Massey was killed

Wednesday 22 October 2025 17:40 , Katie Hawkinson

Who has testified so far today?

Wednesday 22 October 2025 18:19 , Katie Hawkinson

Two witnesses have testified so far in Sean Grayson’s murder trial.

First was Illinois State Police investigator Eric Weston. He testified that he visited the scene of the shooting and reviewed body camera footage from both officers.

Kathryn Barton, a Sangamon County dispatcher, also testified. Sonya Massey called 911 to report a potential prowler on her Springfield, Illinois, property.

“It sounded like there was someone outside the residence making noise on the side of the house,” Barton testified, according to WICS.

Massey’s 911 call audio was then played for the court.

Recap: Prosecutor says Sean Grayson 'did not follow his training'

Wednesday 22 October 2025 18:32 , Katie Hawkinson

Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser told the jury during his opening statement that ex-sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson did not follow his training when he shot Sonya Massey.

“She’s a little scattered, but she’s nice and kind and talking to him and you’ll see that interaction,” Milhiser said, per the Associated Press. “You will see what happens when the defendant gets mad at a woman who is in her kitchen and has called for help. He gets mad and shoots and kills her without lawful justification.”

“He did not follow his training,” he added. “He did not follow police principles.”

Recap: Defense attorney notes state investigators didn't initially collect Sonya Massey's pot of water

Wednesday 22 October 2025 18:57 , Katie Hawkinson

Defense attorney Mark Wykoff asked Illinois State Police investigator Eric Weston about the pot of hot water Sonya Massey was holding moments before ex-sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson shot her.

Weston testified that investigators did not go to the scene to retrieve the pot until weeks after the shooting.

“You knew an hour after the event occurred that the pot was basically employed as a weapon, but you didn’t collect it then,” Wykoff said, according to the Associated Press. “You didn’t collect it during the second search when the third casing was collected. You collected it about two weeks later.”

Body camera footage of the moments before the shooting shows Massey holding the pot of water and saying, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” Grayson later said he thought Massey’s remark meant she intended to kill him. He yelled for her to drop the pot and fired three shots moments later.

Sean Grayson's former partner testifies

Wednesday 22 October 2025 19:08 , Katie Hawkinson

Sheriff’s Deputy Dawson Farley is now testifying.

Farley was Sean Grayson’s partner and responded to Sonya Massey’s home with him last year.

Grayson's ex-partner describes their working relationship

Wednesday 22 October 2025 19:20 , Katie Hawkinson

Sheriff’s Deputy Dawson Farley testified today that he would describe his relationship with Sean Grayson as a “work friendship,” according to local outlet WICS.

Farley responded to Sonya Massey’s home with Grayson last summer.

Grayson's partner says he didn't see Sonya Massey's remark as a threat

Wednesday 22 October 2025 19:27 , Katie Hawkinson

Sheriff’s Deputy Dawson Farley, who responded to Sonya Massey’s home with Sean Grayson, testified that he didn’t see her remarks in the moments leading up to the shooting as a threat.

Moments before Massey was shot, she was holding a pot of hot water and told the deputies, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” Grayson later said he thought this remark meant Massey intended to kill him.

Farley testified that Massey’s remark confused him but that he did not see her comment as a threat, local outlet WICS reports.

Grayson's partner describes moment of shooting

Wednesday 22 October 2025 19:36 , Katie Hawkinson

Sheriff’s Deputy Dawson Farley described the moments leading up to his partner, Sean Grayson, shooting Sonya Massey.

Farley said Grayson drew his gun after Massey said, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.” Farley explained that he then drew his gun too, because he was following his training to back up his partner, WICS reports.

Farley says he saw Massey duck behind the counter afterward. Farley testified he saw Grayson step in front of him, heard the word “drop,” then heard shots being fired.

Grayson's partner testifies ex-deputy told him there was no need for first aid after shooting

Wednesday 22 October 2025 19:38 , Katie Hawkinson

Sheriff’s Deputy Dawson Farley testified Sean Grayson told him first aid wasn’t needed after he shot Sonya Massey.

After the shooting, Farley told the court he ran to the doorway to tell dispatch what happened and attempted to get a medical bag, according to WAND News. When he did so, Grayson told him first aid wasn’t necessary because she was shot in the head, Farley testified.

“I was caught off guard by the comment, it wasn’t our training,” Farley reportedly said in court.

Farley said he performed first aid while Grayson got his own first aid kit. Another sergeant then said nothing could be done, and Grayson said he wasn’t going to waste his medical supplies, Farley testified.

Farley also testified that Massey was still breathing as this happened.

Grayson's partner testifies he was not threatened by Sonya Massey

Wednesday 22 October 2025 19:44 , Katie Hawkinson

Sheriff’s Deputy Dawson Farley told the court he never felt afraid of Sonya Massey and was not concerned she would hurt him.

Farley said he only drew his gun “out of fear from the defendant's actions,” according to WAND News.

“I just wanted to do right by Sonya and her family and tell the truth,” Farley said.

Defense cross-examines Grayson's partner

Wednesday 22 October 2025 19:56 , Katie Hawkinson

Defense attorney Daniel Fultz is cross-examining Dawson Farley, who responded to Sonya Massey’s home alongside Sean Grayson.

Fultz pointed out that Farley filed an initial report about the incident on July 9, 2024, but reached out to the Illinois State Police to amend the report a month later, on August 6, local outlet WICS reports. Grayson was indicted on July 17.

Earlier, Farley said he wanted to clarify that Massey wasn’t holding the pot of hot water at chest level, according to WAND News. Farley said he also initially reported that he drew his gun because he was worried about Massey, but later clarified that he drew his gun “out of fear from the defendant's actions.”

Sonya Massey's cousin left courtroom in tears

Wednesday 22 October 2025 20:01 , Katie Hawkinson

Sonya Massey’s cousin left the courtroom in tears today as Sean Grayson’s partner, Dawson Farley, testified, according to WICS.

Body camera footage plays in court

Wednesday 22 October 2025 20:09 , Katie Hawkinson

Footage from the body camera worn by Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Dawson Farley is now being played in court.

Grayson reacts as body cam footage played in court

Wednesday 22 October 2025 20:27 , Katie Hawkinson

The body camera footage that shows Sean Grayson shooting Sonya Massey is now playing in court.

Grayson yawned several times while watching, WICS reports. At one point, he leaned forward and looked between the ground and the screen.

Grayson didn’t watch as the footage showed him shouting at Massey to drop the pot of hot water, per WICS. Members of Massey’s family cried as the footage showed Grayson’s partner, Dawson Farley, holding a rag to her gunshot wound.

Grayson's body camera footage plays

Wednesday 22 October 2025 20:46 , Katie Hawkinson

Sean Grayson’s body camera footage is now playing in court.

The footage begins when Grayson drew his weapon.

After shooting Massey, the footage shows Grayson dropping his medical bag on her living room floor and saying, "I'm not even going to waste my med stuff then,” according to WICS. His partner, Dawson Farley, described that moment earlier today.

Sonya Massey's mother in tears after body camera footage played in court

Wednesday 22 October 2025 21:01 , Katie Hawkinson

Sonya Massey’s mother, Donna Massey, is crying and being consoled by her family after the body camera footage was played in court.

While it played, Donna Massey buried her head and covered her eyes, WICS reports.

Former chief deputy takes the stand

Wednesday 22 October 2025 21:11 , Katie Hawkinson

Anthony Mayfield, a retired chief deputy for the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Department, is now on the stand.

Mayfield was the chief sheriff’s deputy when Sonya Massey was killed.

Retired chief deputy said Sean Grayson violated department policies

Wednesday 22 October 2025 21:21 , Katie Hawkinson

Retired chief deputy Anthony Mayfield testified today that he determined ex-sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson violated several policies.

Mayfield said these included use of force and medical response policies, according to WICS.

Recap: First day of testimony ends in Sean Grayson's trial

Wednesday 22 October 2025 21:51 , Katie Hawkinson

The first day of testimony has ended in the murder trial of Sean Grayson, an ex-sheriff’s deputy who fatally shot Sonya Massey in her Springfield, Illinois, home last year after she called 911 about a potential prowler.

After opening statements, several witnesses testified Wednesday, including Illinois State Police investigator Eric Weston, who said he reviewed the scene and the body camera footage. Sangamon County Dispatcher Kathryn Barton also testified about Massey’s 911 call.

Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy Dawson Farley, who responded to Massey’s home with Grayson, also took the stand.

Farley testified that he went to retrieve a first aid kit after the shooting, but Grayson told him it wasn’t necessary because Massey had been shot in the head, according to WAND News. Farley also testified that he did not feel afraid of Massey and did not think she would hurt him, WICS reports.

The defense noted that Farley originally wrote in his report that he drew his weapon because he was concerned about the boiling water Massey was holding, WAND News reports. Farley later clarified his report and said he drew his weapon “out of fear from the defendant's actions.”

The audio of Massey’s 911 call, as well as the body camera footage from the shooting, played in court today. Grayson yawned multiple times as the body camera footage played, while some members of Massey’s family cried and left the courtroom, WISC reports.

Grayson has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges. The trial began earlier this week with jury selection. The jury is made up of nine white women, two white men and one Black man. The alternate jurors are two white men and one white woman.

Grayson’s trial will continue on Thursday morning at 9 a.m. local time.

Coverage paused

Wednesday 22 October 2025 22:04 , Katie Hawkinson

Court has adjourned for the day, and this live blog is now paused.

Sean Grayson’s trial will continue Thursday morning at 9 a.m.

Testimony to resume this morning

14:22 , Katie Hawkinson

Testimony is set to resume this morning in the trial of Sean Grayson, who faces murder charges for fatally shooting Sonya Massey in her home last year after she called 911 for help.

Sonya Massey's family gathers in court for second day of witness testimony

14:44 , Katie Hawkinson

Sonya Massey’s family members are in court again today, local outlet WICS reports.

Sean Grayson’s family members are also reportedly in court again today.

Illinois State Police trooper testifies

15:06 , Katie Hawkinson

Today’s first witness is Illinois State Police trooper Adam Markwell.

Illinois State trooper processed evidence after shooting

15:08 , Katie Hawkinson

Illinois State Police trooper Adam Markwell processed and collected evidence from Sean Grayson and his partner, Dawson Farley, after the shooting, according to WICS.

The evidence he collected is now being shown in court.

Sonya Massey's son enters courtroom

15:14 , Katie Hawkinson

Sonya Massey’s son, Malachi Hill-Massey, has entered the courtroom, according to WICS.

Illinois State Police trooper confirms evidence found at scene

15:35 , Katie Hawkinson

Prosecutor Mary Beth Rodgers asked Illinois State Police trooper Adam Markwell to identify some pieces of evidence he collected at the scene.

These included two bullet casings found at the scene initially, as well as a third bullet casing found at the scene two days later, WICS reports.

Markwell also testified that he was present for Sonya Massey’s autopsy.

Defense attorney Mark Wykoff briefly cross-examined Markwell, asking him about other pieces of evidence. Markwell testified he also found an ammunition box with 41 bullets on Massey’s countertop, according to WAND News.

Illinois State Police Trooper testifies about assisting with evidence

15:51 , Katie Hawkinson

Illinois State Police Trooper Emily Maulding testified that she assisted Illinois State Police Trooper Adam Markwell with collecting evidence after Sonya Massey was shot.

The evidence Maulding helped process included the robe Massey wore the night she was killed, WICS reports.

Maulding’s testimony was brief, and Sean Grayson’s attorneys did not cross-examine her.

Firearm identification expert testifies

16:09 , Katie Hawkinson

Hali Carls-Miller of the Illinois State Police Crime Lab is now testifying. She is an expert in firearm and toolmark identification, WICS reports.

Carls-Miller testified that she determined the three fire cartridges found at the scene were from Sean Grayson’s weapon.

Defense attorney Mark Wykoff then cross-examined Carls-Miller. He said that she “can’t guarantee” they were fired Grayson’s weapon, according to WICS.

"It is my opinion they were, based on my training and experience,” Carls-Miller responded.

Attorneys speak with judge about autopsy photos

16:24 , Katie Hawkinson

Prosecutor John Milhiser and defense attorney Mark Wykoff are discussing with the judge which photos from Sonya Massey’s autopsy can be shown to the jury.

Milhiser has argued the photos are necessary, while Wykoff has said they will be repetitive and could inflame the jury, WICS reports.

Autopsy photos shown in court

16:37 , Katie Hawkinson

Dr. Nathaniel Patterson, a forensic pathologist, is now on the witness stand and explaining Sonya Massey’s autopsy photos to the jury.

The judge warned the gallery a few minutes prior that the next witness’s testimony could include photos that could be “hard to look at,” according to WICS.

“I’m fine with letting the gallery know that with the next witness, there will be photos that will be hard to look at potentially, just so everyone’s on the same page about what’s to come,” he said.

Massey's family reacts as autopsy photos shown

16:46 , Katie Hawkinson

Photos from Sonya Massey’s autopsy are now being shown in court.

A member of Massey’s family left the courtroom as a photo of her brain was shown, according to WICS.

Sean Grayson reportedly looked down while a photo of Massey’s gunshot wound was shown.

Forensic pathologist says Massey could have survived gunshot wound

16:56 , Katie Hawkinson

Forensic pathologist Nathaniel Patterson testified that Sonya Massey could have survived her gunshot wound if she had received quick medical treatment and the bleeding had been controlled, WICS reports.

“She bled to death through that transected carotid artery,” Patterson said.

"If you lose your left carotid artery, and you still have your right, there’s a chance blood could still circulate if you tie off the left one,” he later added.

This comes after sheriff’s deputy Dawson Farley, who also responded to Massey’s home the night of the shooting, testified that Sean Grayson told him first aid wasn’t necessary because Massey had been shot in the head, WAND News reported.

“I was caught off guard by the comment, it wasn’t our training,” Farley said.

Forensic pathologist cross-examined

16:57 , Katie Hawkinson

Defense attorney Mark Wykoff is now cross-examining Dr. Nathaniel Patterson.

Wykoff said medical literature indicates some people live and some still die after receiving medical treatment for a cut internal carotid artery, according to WICS.

“Yes, that’s very true,” Patterson replied.

Forensic pathologist says Sonya Massey tested positive for THC and gabapentin

17:16 , Katie Hawkinson

Forensic pathologist Nathaniel Patterson testified that Sonya Massey’s blood tested positive for delta-9 THC and gabapentin, which is a medication that can treat seizures and nerve pain.

Patterson testified that THC can cause distorted perception and that gabapentin can depress the central nervous system, WICS reports.

On re-direct, prosecutor John Milhiser asked Patterson: “Would you agree the sooner medical treatment is provided, the higher the chance of survival?"

“Yes,” Patterson responded

Court takes lunch break

17:28 , Katie Hawkinson

The court is now on a lunch break until 1 p.m. local time.

Recap: Sonya Massey's family is in court today

17:50 , Katie Hawkinson

Members of Sonya Massey’s family are in court today for the second day of testimony in Sean Grayson’s trial.

Her son, Malachi Hill-Massey, entered the courtroom during the first witness’s testimony. Another family member left as Massey’s autopsy photos were shown.

Watch: Body camera footage shows moments before Sonya Massey was shot

18:15 , Katie Hawkinson

Recap: Forensic pathologist explains Sonya Massey's cause of death

18:51 , Katie Hawkinson

Dr. Nathaniel Patterson, a forensic pathologist with the Sangamon County Coroner's office, testified about Sonya Massey’s cause of death today.

Patterson said she died of a “gunshot wound of the head” and “bled to death through that transected carotid artery,” according to WICS. Massey could’ve survived her wound if she had medical treatment soon afterward and the bleeding had been controlled, Patterson testified.

On cross-examination, defense attorney Mark Wykoff said that medical literature shows some people still die after receiving medical treatment for a cut internal carotid artery.

“Yes, that’s very true,” Patterson responded.

Patterson also testified that Massey’s blood tested positive for delta-9 THC and gabapentin, which is a medication that can treat seizures and nerve pain.

On re-direct, prosecutor John Milhiser asked Patterson: “Would you agree the sooner medical treatment is provided, the higher the chance of survival?"

“Yes,” Patterson responded, according to WICS.

Crisis intervention instructor takes the stand

19:05 , Katie Hawkinson

Anthony Rigano, a retired sergeant from the Elgin Police Department and a crisis intervention instructor, is now on the stand.

Illinois State Police investigator Eric Weston testified yesterday that Sean Grayson took a Crisis Intervention Training course in 2023, WICS reported.

Crisis intervention instructor describes strategies he teaches

19:24 , Katie Hawkinson

Retired Sgt. Anthony Rigano, who has taught crisis intervention courses since 2006, told the court he teaches officers to approach crisis interventions with maturity, WICS reports.

Rigano said mature officers can handle situations where their authority is challenged. Rigano also advises students to take things slowly and allow time to help defuse tense situations, he testified.

Illinois State Police investigator Eric Weston testified yesterday that Sean Grayson took a Crisis Intervention Training course in 2023.

Crisis intervention teacher trains officers to focus on 'preservation of life'

19:34 , Katie Hawkinson

Retired Sgt. Anthony Rigano, who has taught crisis intervention courses since 2006, uses training materials that tell officers to focus on the “preservation of life.”

“Our motivation should be guided by professional demeanor and the focus on the preservation of life,” Rigano’s training material says, according to WAND News.

Crisis intervention teacher taught Sean Grayson

19:42 , Katie Hawkinson

Retired Sgt. Anthony Rigano, who is testifying today about his crisis intervention courses, taught Sean Grayson “Verbal De-Escalation and the Tactical Response,” according to WICS.

Rigano is now being cross-examined by defense attorney Mark Wykoff.

Retired Georgia police chief called to stand

20:07 , Katie Hawkinson

The next witness is Louis Dekmar, a retired police chief from LaGrange, Georgia, according to WICS.

Defense questions use of retired police chief as expert witness

20:21 , Katie Hawkinson

The prosecution has called Louis Dekmar, a retired LaGrange, Georgia, police chief, to the stand.

Before he could be entered as an expert witness, defense attorney Mark Wykoff said he wanted to ask follow-up questions about his experience, WAND News reports.

Wykoff went through Dekmar’s resume and noted he has not testified in a criminal trial before. However, Dekmar has submitted written opinions in multiple cases.

Prosecutors would like Dekmar to be entered as an expert witness. They clarified he will be used as an expert on police policies and procedures, not on use of force incidents, according to WAND News.

Judge accepts retired police chief as expert witness

20:44 , Katie Hawkinson

The judge has accepted former police chief Louis Dekmar as an expert witness on police procedure and policy.

Dekmar said he reviewed the body camera footage of the incident, and determined Sonya Massey was experiencing a “crisis.”

"It should've been clear to the deputies that they were dealing with someone going through a mental or emotional crisis,” Dekmar testified, according to WICS.

Retired police chief says Sean Grayson didn't apply crisis intervention training

21:10 , Katie Hawkinson

Expert witness Louis Dekmar testified that Sean Grayson did not apply what he learned in his crisis intervention training when he was speaking with Sonya Massey, WICS reports.

Dekmar said Grayson should’ve asked Massey what she was doing or why she was uncomfortable, WAND News reports. He also noted that telling Massey to hang up on the 911 dispatcher was not in line with crisis intervention training.

Massey was shot shortly after Grayson ordered her to put down a pot of hot water she was holding.

Dekmar said Massey complied with Grayson’s order when she put the pot down and apologized. Dekmar testified that he believes Massey only lifted the pot again to shield herself after Grayson drew his weapon, according to WAND News.

Expert witness analyzes Massey's behavior in body camera footage

21:27 , Katie Hawkinson

Expert witness Louis Dekmar testified that he did not identify any threatening behavior from Sonya Massey before Sean Grayson drew his weapon and pointed it at her, according to WICS.

Dekmar said earlier he reviewed body camera footage of the incident.

Dekmar also testified that pointing a weapon at someone is considered a use of force, which he said isn’t in line with county policies.

Massey was not a 'credible threat,' expert witness says

21:52 , Katie Hawkinson

Prosecutor Mary Beth Rodgers asked expert witness Louis Dekmar if Sonya Massey was a “credible threat,” according to WAND News.

“No,” Dekmar responded.

Dekmar also testified that officers should “give immediate attention to the person that was shot.” Grayson did not do this, Dekmar added.

Expert witness cross-examined

22:04 , Katie Hawkinson

Defense attorney Mark Wykoff is now cross-examining expert witness Louis Dekmar.

Wykoff noted that Sean Grayson did not know he was walking into a “10-96,” which refers to a situation involving a person impacted by mental illness, WICS reports.

Dekmar replied that the tactics taught in crisis intervention training should apply to interactions with everyone.

Dekmar said he believed Grayson violated department policy

22:25 , Katie Hawkinson

Expert witness Louis Dekmar testified that he determined Sean Grayson violated department policy, citing his tone and actions, WAND News reports.

“You don’t start an interaction with a citizen the way the defendant did,” Dekmar said, according to WAND News.

“Any poorly handled call can turn into a use of force incident,” he added.

Defense presses Dekmar on determination that Sean Grayson violated policy

22:35 , Katie Hawkinson

Defense attorney Mark Wykoff is pressing expert Louis Dekmar on his determination that Sean Grayson violated department policy.

Wykoff asked Dekmar how he came to his conclusion. He also pushed Dekmar to identify where in department policy it states that violating a "small black-and-white rule” means an officer has violated the whole policy, WICS reports.

Defense asks expert witness if Grayson was acting out of fear

22:40 , Katie Hawkinson

Defense attorney Mark Wykoff asked expert witness Louis Dekmar if he determined Sean Grayson acted out of fear when he pointed his gun at Sonya Massey.

Dekmar said no, calling Grayson’s actions “inconsistent of fear and threat,” according to WAND News.

Dekmar stated earlier that the “value of human life” is key to policing. Under cross-examination, he then clarified that police policies protect all lives, including officers and citizens, WAND News reports.

Judge reveals juror dismissed

22:50 , Katie Hawkinson

The judge revealed a juror was dismissed from the rest of the trial because of a personal emergency, WICS reports.