A former sheriff’s deputy, who fatally shot Sonya Massey after she called 911 about a suspected prowler at her home, will soon be released under certain conditions, according to a decision made by an Illinois court late Wednesday.

This state court’s decision overturns an order keeping the former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy, Sean P. Grayson, in custody since he was accused of the deadly shooting of the 36-year-old Black woman on July 6.

A circuit court judge will soon schedule a hearing with lawyers to discuss the terms of Grayson’s release prior to his trial for the murder of Massey. Potential conditions may involve home detention or the use of monitoring devices. He is expected to appear in court again on Monday.

Circuit Court Presiding Judge Ryan Cadagin previously ordered Grayson to remain in custody twice, citing his insensitivity during and after the incident, specifically his failure to assist Massey following the shooting.

Footage from body cameras reveals the former deputy shooting the small-statured woman as she raises her hands in a gesture of surrender saying “I’m sorry” while attempting to shield herself. When Grayson’s partner suggested that a medical kit might be needed, Grayson replied indifferently, “She’s done. You can go get it, but that’s a headshot.”

Grayson’s attorney, Daniel Fultz, defended him by claiming that Grayson poses no risk of fleeing and that he is facing health challenges due to Stage 3 colon cancer. He is currently held in the Macon County Jail in Decatur, Illinois.

Addressing Racism and Misogyny

The release of video footage capturing the shooting sparked nationwide outrage. Renowned civil rights lawyer Ben Crump and activist Rev. Al Sharpton promptly demanded justice for Massey, leading to widespread protests across the country and an investigation launched by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Grayson was terminated from his position on the same day he was charged with three counts of first-degree murder and additional charges, but the repercussions did not end there.

Records revealed that Grayson had a past marked by violence against women and, despite this, he was never prohibited from serving in law enforcement. Reports include allegations from a former inmate who claimed Grayson forced her to undress in front of him, and his ex-wife divorced him due to consistent mental abuse.

His criminal record also shows two DUI offenses and a questionable military discharge.

Former Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell ultimately resigned following intense criticism for hiring Grayson despite his troubling history. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker was among those calling for Campbell’s resignation.

The shooting death of Massey, who struggled with mental health issues, prompted the Justice Department to investigate the sheriff’s department regarding its treatment of individuals with disabilities earlier this month.

Federal officials expressed “serious concerns regarding (the sheriff department’s) interactions with Black individuals and those with behavioral health challenges,” alongside various problematic practices and protocols.