Protests erupt as jury selection begins in former deputy Sean Grayson’s murder trial

Tense protests broke out outside an Illinois courthouse Monday as jury selection began in the first-degree murder trial of former deputy Sean Grayson.

(NBC)- Tense protests broke out outside an Illinois courthouse Monday as jury selection began in the first-degree murder trial of former deputy Sean Grayson, charged in the fatal shooting of 36-year-old Sonya Massey.

Chants of “Put Sean Grayson in general population!” and “Black women matter!” echoed through the crowd as police lined the courthouse roof and surrounding streets. Protesters demanded accountability in a case that has drawn national outrage and renewed debate over police use of force.

“I watched the video, and I feel like the rest of the world feels — it was unjustified,” said Eric Allen, a relative of Massey’s.

The deadly encounter unfolded last summer after Massey called 911 to report a possible prowler near her home, according to the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office.

Body camera footage shows Grayson and another deputy entering the residence. Massey — a mother of two who relatives said had struggled with mental health challenges — can be heard saying, “Please don’t hurt me.” One deputy replies, “Why would we hurt you? You called us.”

Moments later, Massey picked up a pot of boiling water.

“I rebuke you in the name of Jesus,” she says in the video.

Seconds later, after shouting commands to “Drop the pot,” Grayson fired multiple rounds, killing Massey. Grayson was fired and later pleaded not guilty, claiming in court filings that he acted in self-defense because he feared for his life. But personnel records show Grayson had a history of disciplinary issues at previous law enforcement agencies. Legal analysts say that self-defense could be a difficult argument for a trained officer.

“When it comes to law enforcement, they’re taught de-escalation measures and trained that deadly force must be a last resort,” said one expert. “Because of that, establishing self-defense can be a difficult standard to meet.”

The case has since been moved to another county due to intense public attention. Both sides are closely vetting potential jurors based on their opinions of the body camera footage and of law enforcement. By the end of Monday’s session, 12 jurors had been seated — 10 women and 2 men, with one identified Black juror. Three alternates were also selected, bringing the panel to 15 total jurors. Opening statements are scheduled for Wednesday.