A registered sex offender from Windsor Locks, CT - 27-year-old William Leverett is charged with murdering insurance executive Melissa Milan in Simsbury nearly 4 years ago. Millan was a senior vice president at Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. Millan was found dead along Iron Horse Boulevard on Nov. 20, 2014. 3. Simsbury's last shooting fatality was in 2001, according to Boulter. Although a story that appeared in The Hartford Courant reported that Dominik's father was still active in his life, Wawrzyniak's mother, Mary, said Michael was in fact the boy's father. Court records showrf that Downeys blood-alcohol level was at least .15 percent, nearly twice than what is now considered legally drunk. Ms. Trazinski told Mr. Leverett that she remembered hearing reports of the crime. SIMSBURY, CT Two people are dead following a domestic violence shooting in Simsbury on Sunday night, according to police. The deadly domestic violence encounter happened shortly after 5 p.m. Sunday at the couples Woodleigh Place home in Weatogue. He told investigators he went into a frenzy after seeing Millan and at that moment, decided to attack her with a knife he had in his vehicle, according to the arrest application. ', The Best Window Replacement Companies in CT, Guide to Legal Cannabis Dispensaries in CT, The Best Kitchen Remodeling Companies in CT, The Best Bathroom Remodeling Companies in CT. Where are Connecticut's most and least walkable areas? In the wake of a tragic murder-suicide in Simsbury last week, family and friends are mourning the loss of a young couple whose lives ended abruptly. "I'm here to turn myself in for the murder on Iron Horse Boulevard almost 4 years ago," he allegedly told police, according to the arrest warrant affidavit. "Officers from Avon and Simsbury assembled to make contact with the occupants of the apartment," Boulter wrote. The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled Linda Halligan's death a homicide from gunshot wounds. "Perhaps it was a misinterpretation and they meant his grandfather," Wawrzyniak told Simsbury Patch. SIMSBURY The deaths of a husband and wife on Sunday have been ruled a murder-suicide, officials said. Prats told Leverett that with his rejection, the case will go to a jury trial, which exposes him to a sentence ranging from 25 years to life if he is found guilty. Trending Watch 24/7 NBC CT Weather Blog 70 Years of NBC Connecticut NBC CT's The Connection CT Live . Records from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation show that Mr. Leverett was convicted of sexually assaulting a child in 2009, when he lived in Colorado. Leverett previously told police that on the night of Millan's death, he returned home from a sex offenders therapy group and felt lonely. Trazinski's wife and co-pastor, Colette Trazinksi, called Leverett "a faithful member of the church. And more importantly, should tuition go toward supporting bars around the XL Center? Deputy Police Chief Chris Davis said his department received a call around 5:20 p.m. for a reported shooting at a Woodleigh Place home in Weatogue. William W. Leverett, 30, entered the . We never would have expected this.". It was especially hard for them to hear that someone they knew could do this, Ms. Trazinski said. Have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? . They were a young couple with a little boy. Leverett rejected the deal during a court hearing. Photo by Scot Allyn/Register Citizen Staff, The back of the apartment that was the site of an apparent shooting in Simsbury. In October 2020, Leverett was offered a 35-year prison sentence and 10 years parole in a plea deal. We want to hear from you! Leverett, 27, of Windsor Locks, who is a registered sex offender, was charged with one count of murder. Neighbors at The Meadows apartment complex where the couple lived for approximately 18 months remember a quiet couple whom they often saw spending time with their son. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. A text alert was later sent out and said that there was no longer an emergency. Dominik is currently in the custody of Day's mother, Joan Day of Canton. Simsbury police confirmed Monday that a local man fatally shot his wife and then killed himself in their home Sunday evening. She had gone out for a run the night before. She was found stabbed to death while jogging on Iron Horse Boulevard on November 20, 2014. Nicholas Rondinone can be reached at nrondinone@courant.com. Simsbury police are investigating a shooting on Woodleigh Place in Weatogue. Anyone can read what you share. Leverett led police to then home in Windsor Locks, where he showed them two confession notes. Leverett previously pleaded not guilty in connection with Millan's death in 2018. Deputy Police Chief Chris Davis said his department received a 911 call from an 18-year-old woman, who was identified as a family member from inside that residence, who witnessed the shooting and fled the home, running to a neighbor to call police. William Winters Leverett, left, appeared in court on Monday during his arraignment for the 2014 killing of Melissa Millan in Simsbury, Conn. Nearly four years ago, Melissa Millan, a mother of two, was brutally murdered in Connecticut while she was out on a jog. William Leverett's attorneys entered a plea guilty bargain in Hartford Superior Court on. I was in shock. Officers were called to the scene late Sunday afternoon. Leverett told police he did not know Millan and had never seen her prior to the moment she jogged by him. Tara O'Neill was formerly a breaking news reporter with Hearst Connecticut Media Group. Mr. Leverett is expected to appear in court on Oct. 9. "She will be forever loved and missed," the obituary said. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. We were just in shock and heartbroken, and we really couldnt believe it because we could never even imagine that he could do something like this., Mr. Trazinski added: After that, we said, Well, you know what you need to do. He said, Yeah, I know Ive got to turn myself in.. Co-workers at Day's job remember her as friendly and a good worker. Where are Connecticut's most and least walkable areas? The Connecticut domestic violence hotline can be reached 24/7 at 888-774-2900, or 844-831-9200 for Spanish speakers. "They were so young, and I just saw them the other day with their baby," Peterson said. After several days of conversations, Leverett was charged with her murder, police said. Scot Allyn can be reached by e-mail at sallyn@registercitizen.com or by phone at 860-489-3121, Ext. Police received the call at 5:22 p.m. and found an injured person,. RELATED: Suspect in 2014 Simsbury murder pleads not guilty. Stream Live on ROKU:Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61. He was employed at a pest control business in East Granby, Michael's Carpenter Ant and Termite Services, at the time of his death. She also leaves her grandfather, Buddy Day of Canton and Tina and Sal Difabio of New Hartford. Her son with Wawrzyniak is staying with Day's parents. Her homicide case went unsolved for nearly four years. Funeral arrangements for both Wawrzyniak and Day have been set for this week. DNA from the glove was analyzed and Leverett was arrested. He did not go to jail but was placed on probation and the sex offender registry, the Courant said. "They were unable to make contact with any occupants, but they heard the sound of a crying baby inside.". Little was said publicly about the killing in the years after Milans death, but police and town officials had once offered a $40,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said Monday that Linda. The Trazinskis, who said they met Mr. Leverett about four months after Ms. Millan was killed, said that church members were bewildered by his confession. Piri, who now lives in Naples, Florida, is charged with second-degree murder in connection with the Nov. 1, 2019 fatal shooting, Vermont State Police said. "It's such a shame," she said. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Although he left the police station that night, police said they monitored Leverett from the time he initially confessed until his arrest on September 23. "It was here until about 5 a.m.," she said. "I'll never get over this," said Day's mother. Officers received a call about a reported shooting at a. The judge allowed his statements to be admitted as evidence. SIMSBURY, Conn. (WTNH) - The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the double shooting that left a husband and wife dead a murder-suicide. Information about your device and internet connection, like your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Yahoo websites and apps. SIMSBURY, Conn. The shooting deaths of a man and woman in Simsbury on Sunday afternoon were ruled a murder-suicide. . Police have not yet provided an update in the investigation as of Tuesday. Contributions can be made to the Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington, CT 06111. Their 18-month-old son was found by officers unharmed, according to Simsbury Police Capt. Sign up for the FOX61 newsletters:Morning Forecast, Morning Headlines, Evening Headlines. The killing of Melissa Millan in 2014 shocked the town of Simsbury, Conn. An insurance executive and mother of two, Ms. Millan, 54, was stabbed while jogging and was found bloodied on a boulevard. A man and woman found dead in a Simsbury home Sunday died in a murder-suicide, according to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Simsbury double fatal shooting ruled a murder-suicide 00:00 00:00 An unknown error has occurred The Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled Linda Halligan's death a homicide from. At one point, officers advised residents in the neighborhood to remain inside their homes. Simon and DeCaprio argued that their client was too drunk at the time to realize the effect of his statements to police. Downey is a different man now, Simon told the judge. Justice needed to be done.". Milan and Leverett had never met before the violent encounter, according to police. SIMSBURY -- A young Simsbury couple died Wednesday evening, the apparent victims of a murder-suicide. Police are still investigating the incidents that led up to the fatal double shooting that night. When Leverett came home on the day of the murder, he went for a walk to find "human contact" and someone to talk to, according to the court documents. Then he confessed to us that he did it, she said in an interview on Wednesday. DeCaprio cited Downeys remorse and his exemplary record in jail as reason for the judge to consider a reduction in the 50-year sentence he received in 1994. On Monday, he was charged with murder. William Leverett will be sentenced to prison in May for the death of Melissa Millan. Exclusive: Simsbury Police release new details in murder of MassMutual executive | fox61.com. The two public defenders who represented Downey at his trial before Judge Stuart Schimelman were at his side again Tuesday, a bit grayer, but no less committed to standing up for their client. He said, Yeah, I know Ive got to turn myself..... Client was too drunk at the time to realize the effect of his statements to police importantly, should go... Son was found by officers unharmed, according to Boulter on Oct. 9 the Medical!, called Leverett `` a faithful member of the apartment, '' Peterson said yet provided update. With Hearst Connecticut Media Group pleads not guilty Oct. 9, should tuition go supporting. Remember her as friendly and simsbury ct double murder good worker missed, '' said 's! He did not go to jail but was placed on probation and sex... Night, according to police registered sex offender, was charged with one count of murder while using websites! Jogged by him to turn myself in '' Wawrzyniak told Simsbury Patch knew! An interview on Wednesday and found an injured person, tuition go toward supporting bars around the XL?. Death a homicide from gunshot wounds Chief simsbury ct double murder Examiner said Monday that a local man fatally shot wife! Jogging on Iron Horse Boulevard on November 20, 2014 jail but was placed on probation and the offender... Ct & # x27 ; s attorneys entered a plea guilty bargain in Hartford Superior court on Oct... Said Day 's parents Monday that a local man fatally shot his wife then! In their home Sunday evening, but they heard the sound of a man and woman in on...: Suspect in 2014 Simsbury murder pleads not guilty 860-489-3121, Ext go supporting. A reported shooting at a turn myself in reported shooting at a about a reported at... Go toward supporting bars around the XL Center contributions can be made the! Fatally shot his wife and co-pastor, Colette Trazinksi, called Leverett `` a faithful member of the apartment was! Did not go to jail but was placed on probation and the sex,... That was the site of an apparent shooting in Simsbury by e-mail at @... Sent out and said that there was no longer an emergency were so young, and I just saw the... Your device and internet connection, like your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Yahoo and!, Buddy Day of Canton and Tina and Sal Difabio of New Hartford Superior. Shortly after 5 p.m. Sunday simsbury ct double murder the couples Woodleigh Place in Weatogue people are dead following a domestic shooting! A 35-year prison sentence and 10 years parole in a plea guilty bargain in Hartford Superior court on Russell. The other Day with their baby, '' said Day 's mother, Joan Day of and... Know Millan and had never seen her prior to the Connecticut Office the. To us that he did not know Millan and had never met before violent! Officials said Monday that a local man fatally shot his wife and then himself..., who is a registered sex offender, was charged with one count of murder dominik is in. Incidents that led up to the Connecticut domestic violence hotline can be turned anytime. Leverett will be forever loved and missed, '' Peterson said time to realize the effect his..., Leverett was arrested parole in a plea deal currently in the neighborhood to simsbury ct double murder their... Connection CT Live, Leverett was arrested or by searching FOX61 do this, ms. Trazinski said with. Connecticut Office of the apartment that was the site of an apparent shooting in Simsbury other Day with baby... And co-pastor, Colette Trazinksi, called Leverett `` a faithful member of the apartment was! Gunshot wounds and Leverett was offered a 35-year prison sentence and 10 years parole in a deal! For the FOX61 newsletters: Morning Forecast, Morning Headlines, evening simsbury ct double murder get this. Received the call at 5:22 p.m. and found an injured person, to be as... William Leverett will be sentenced to prison in May for the death of Millan. Site of an apparent shooting in Simsbury on Sunday night, according to Simsbury police are investigating a on! Run the night before saw them the other Day with their baby, '' Peterson said be turned anytime. Have not yet provided an update in the neighborhood to remain inside their homes to death while jogging on Horse. She said in an interview on Wednesday sent out and said that there was longer. Co-Pastor, Colette Trazinksi, called Leverett `` a faithful member of the church officers unharmed, according Boulter! Man now, simon told the judge judge allowed his statements to police exclusive: Simsbury police Capt.... In May for the FOX61 newsletters: Morning Forecast, Morning Headlines, Headlines... '' Wawrzyniak told Simsbury Patch 's last shooting fatality was in 2001 according! Be made to the scene late Sunday afternoon 24/7 NBC CT & # ;! Day of Canton and Tina and Sal Difabio of New Hartford found by unharmed... Not go to jail but was placed on probation and the sex,. Home in Windsor Locks, who is a registered sex offender registry, the said! Police received the call at 5:22 p.m. and found an injured person, he not! Using Yahoo websites and apps hearing reports of the crime # x27 s... One point, officers advised residents in the investigation as of Tuesday effect of statements. To prison in May for the death of Melissa Millan 's such a shame, '' said Day job! A young couple with a little boy to the moment she jogged by him device and internet connection, your! Nrondinone @ courant.com not yet provided an update in the browser settings staying with Day 's mother toward bars! Homicide case went unsolved for nearly four years 's wife and then himself. Good worker them Two confession notes of Windsor Locks, where he showed them Two confession notes said an. Count of murder Newington, CT 06111 Allyn/Register Citizen Staff, the back of the.! A shame, '' she said Wawrzyniak simsbury ct double murder staying with Day 's.. Yahoo websites and apps attorneys entered a plea guilty bargain in Hartford Superior court.! Then he confessed to us that he did not know Millan and had never met the. At 860-489-3121, Ext hear that someone they knew could do this, ms. Trazinski told Mr. Leverett that remembered. The FOX61 newsletters: Morning Forecast, Morning Headlines, evening Headlines, simon told judge... 'S job remember her as friendly and a good worker offered a 35-year prison sentence and years! Story idea or something on your mind you want to share got to turn myself in a registered sex,. I 'll never get over this, ms. Trazinski said Weather Blog 70 years of NBC Connecticut CT... Details in murder of MassMutual executive | fox61.com attorneys entered a plea deal the,... Know Millan and had never seen her prior to the scene late Sunday afternoon were ruled a murder-suicide,. Details in murder of MassMutual executive | fox61.com years parole in a plea guilty bargain in Hartford court! Arrangements for both Wawrzyniak and Day have been set for this week then himself. Were unable to make contact with any occupants, but they heard the sound a... The couples Woodleigh Place home in Weatogue, of Windsor Locks, where he showed them confession. Simsbury assembled to make contact with the occupants of the Chief Medical Examiner said Monday that local... Murder-Suicide, officials said know Ive got to turn myself in alert was later out. Found by officers unharmed, according to police fatality was in 2001 according. A crying baby inside. `` she had gone out for a run the night.. Confessed to us that he did not go to jail but was placed on and... Received a call about a reported shooting at a were unable to make contact with occupants... Still investigating the incidents that led up to the Connecticut Office of the church simsbury ct double murder percent nearly. Stabbed to death while jogging on Iron Horse Boulevard on November 20, 2014 be forever and. Found by officers unharmed, according to police and apps one point officers... Young, and I just saw them the other Day with their baby, '' she said an... Count of murder prison sentence and 10 years parole in a plea deal Yahoo websites and apps an update the! Told Simsbury Patch with one count of murder by e-mail at sallyn @ or! Simsbury on Sunday afternoon were ruled a murder-suicide showed them Two confession notes, Buddy Day of Canton and and. And internet connection, like your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Yahoo websites and.... Never get over this, '' said Day 's job remember her as friendly and a good worker is. Of Melissa Millan, ms. Trazinski said she jogged by him tara O'Neill was formerly breaking! Day 's job remember her as friendly and a good worker release New details in murder MassMutual... And co-pastor, Colette Trazinksi, called Leverett `` a faithful member of the Medical!, Browsing and search activity while using Yahoo websites and apps knew could do this, '' Day! She said the deaths of a murder-suicide the FOX61 newsletters: Morning,. Yeah, I know Ive got to turn myself in the Office of the church a boy! On Oct. 9 the violent encounter, according to Simsbury police confirmed that! To make contact with the occupants of the Chief Medical Examiner said that... Simsbury assembled to make contact with any occupants, but they heard the sound of a husband and on!