FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Sunday, May 18th, 2025
Springfield, IL — Speak Out Illinois LLC has obtained and is publicly releasing unredacted court records in the criminal case of State of Illinois v. Sean Grayson, the former deputy charged with First Degree Murder in the killing of Sonya Massey. These records, provided lawfully through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, shed further light on the state’s prosecution and the steps leading up to trial.
The death of Sonya Massey, an unarmed Black woman from Springfield, has raised urgent questions about policing, accountability, and the use of force in Illinois. The documents now available through Speak Out Illinois provide new insight into the legal proceedings, charging decisions, and communications within the case — a case many across the state and country are watching closely.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” said Jacob Partee, Executive Director of Speak Out Illinois LLC. “By making these records available, we are standing up for public transparency and ensuring that the voices of victims and their communities are not erased or ignored.”
The records have been published in full and without redaction at [www.speakoutillinoisllc.com/blogs/post/sean-grayson-court-records] (link placeholder), allowing the public, press, and advocates to independently review the facts.
Why This Matters:
The case involves a public official (a sheriff’s deputy) charged in a high-profile killing.
The documents released were not sealed or redacted by the court or the Sangamon County State's Attorney.
Public confidence in the judicial process depends on openness and oversight, especially in cases involving law enforcement.
Speak Out Illinois LLC encourages media outlets, legal experts, and members of the public to review the records and join the growing call for police accountability and legislative reform.
These documents were lawfully obtained by Speak Out Illinois LLC via a public records request under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140). They are being shared in the interest of public transparency and civic awareness. No legal advice is provided, and no private information has been knowingly disclosed.
Media Contact:
Jacob Partee, CEO
Email: press@speakoutillinoisllc.com
Phone: (309) 981 7233
Website: www.speakoutillinoisllc.com
