Illinois quick hits: Former sheriff’s deputy guilty in Massey murder; appeals court intervenes in Bavino case

October 29, 2025/

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By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Former sheriff’s deputy guilty in Massey murder

A jury has found a former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy guilty of second-degree murder for the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey at her Springfield home in July 2024.

The verdict against Sean Grayson was announced Wednesday afternoon at the Peoria County Courthouse.

Jury deliberations in the case began Tuesday morning.

Man charged for threatening Trump

An El Paso, Illinois man has been charged with making threats against President Donald Trump.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Springfield office announced that Derek Lopez, 27, was arrested Tuesday.

The FBI said federal, state and local partners assisted in the investigation.

Appeals court intervenes in Bavino case

The Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has granted a temporary stay to Judge Sara Ellis’ order that U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino report in person daily on federal immigration enforcement actions.

The decision came shortly before Bovino was scheduled to appear before Ellis Wednesday afternoon.

The ruling ordered the plaintiffs in the case filed by the Chicago Headline Club to respond by 5:00 p.m. Thursday.

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