New Haven, Connecticut – In a chilling incident in 2006, a woman was found naked and covered in blood in a New Haven cemetery, a sight that shook the community. The man who discovered her immediately called 911, leading to the woman being rushed to safety by officers. The victim, with her eyes swollen shut and neck stabbed multiple times, could barely speak due to her injuries.
The perpetrator, later identified as Michael Reese, was known to the witness who saw him fleeing the scene that morning. Reese was eventually charged with first-degree assault and first-degree sexual assault for the violent attack that showed an utter disregard for human life, as per police records.
Despite being sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2007, Reese found himself out on the streets after serving only 14 years by April 2021. However, his release was not without further incidents, as he repeatedly violated his probation over the next few years. These violations included failing drug tests, missing court appearances, and non-compliance with treatment, leading to his return to prison on multiple occasions.
Tragically, in October last year, visiting nurse Joyce Grayson met a fatal fate after a routine visit to Reese at a transitional house in Willimantic. Her body was discovered in the basement of the house after concerned family members reported her missing. Although Reese was apprehended at the scene, he has not been charged in connection with Grayson’s death.
Grayson’s untimely death has sparked calls for better protection for healthcare workers, with suggestions ranging from escorts for home visits to improved communication about patients’ criminal histories. Companies like Elara, where Grayson worked, have already initiated changes to ensure the safety of their employees during home visits.
Reese’s troubling history of probation violations, substance abuse, and mental health concerns point to systemic failures that need to be addressed. Grayson’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by healthcare workers and the urgent need for improved safety protocols in the industry.
As investigations continue into Grayson’s murder, legal action is being prepared on behalf of her family. The hope is that through these efforts, justice will be served, and meaningful changes will be implemented to prevent similar tragedies in the future.