Former Illinois sheriff's deputy Sean Grayson took the stand in his murder trial over the shooting of Sonya Massey on Monday. CBS News' Anna Schecter has the details.

Illinois

Former Illinois deputy Sean Grayson testified in his own defense during his murder trial for the shooting of Sonya Massey. Grayson stated he believed Massey was threatening him with a pot of boiling water, which led to his decision to use his firearm instead of a taser, citing concerns about the taser's effectiveness.

Prosecutors questioned Grayson's account, noting that his partner on the night of the incident testified he was not afraid of Massey but rather of Grayson. The defense presented a use of force expert who supported Grayson's decision as self-defense. Grayson faces up to life in prison if convicted of three counts of first-degree murder.

Sean Grayson testifies in his murder trial over shooting Sonya Massey

Testimony continues in the murder trial of the former Illinois deputy accused of killing Sonia Massey in her home last year Sean Grayson took the stand in his own defense this morning And he recalled the night of the shooting stating he believed Massey was threatening to throw a pot of boiling water on him So prosecutors asked Grayson about his account of the shooting which was written several days after Massey was killed Graces Grayson's partner the night of the shooting already testified last week saying he was not afraid of Massey instead He was afraid of Grayson Grayson faces a maximum of life in prison for three counts of first-degree murder Anna Schechter senior coordinating producer with CBS News Crime and Public Safety Unit joining us live now And how shocking was it that Grayson actually took the stand? Well, I was Really surprised this morning. We thought maybe he might just to give his state of mind, but then boom 905 a.m. He sat in that chair and we were all who have been following this case so closely Just really shocked Wow, Sean Grayson himself is on the stand right now Testifying after all of these witnesses have been explaining that Sonia Massey was actually not a threat So this was a very big moment for those of us who have been following this case now for more than a year So Grayson said he used his gun rather than a taser because it would have been ineffective during the incident So use of force expert also testified that Grayson's decision was justified. So talk about that part of the testimony Sure, it's a great question because this was actually new information We know from the reports filed right after in the month after this event that he said he felt threatened by that Boiling pot of water, but we never knew he was even considering or thought about potentially using a taser instead of a gun He was asked this question on the stand today And he said that he was worried that a taser wouldn't work because a taser has to go Through clothing and actually clutch onto the skin Essentially, that's how it works and that he says that he actually took the time to think that through and Realized the taser wouldn't work and instead it used a gun So we'll see how a jury reacts to that if they believe that But that jumped out at me today because I've never seen any discussion of a taser being used But yes you're absolutely right that the defense did call a use of force expert to the stand who said that Grayson was acting in self-defense and De-escalating the situation by firing that firearm because of that pot of boiling water That was his take and the defense is leaning heavily into that That is essentially their entire defense Anna Schechter Anna. Thank you

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Ukraine Invasion

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