The trial of former Illinois deputy Sean Grayson began Monday in Peoria, over the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, a 36-year-old Black mother of two, in July 2024.

Massey was shot three times after calling authorities about a suspected prowler; Grayson claimed he feared for his safety because she was holding boiling water and made religious statements.

Grayson, fired and charged with first-degree murder and other counts, pleaded not guilty, and the trial is expected to last one to two weeks with no cameras allowed in the courtroom, NBC News has reported.

The case sparked national protests and a $10 million settlement for Massey’s family, with demonstrators outside the courthouse demanding justice and accountability for police actions.