Michael Carlos Reese, a convicted sex offender, has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for the murder of Joyce Grayson, a 63-year-old visiting nurse, at the halfway house in Willimantic, Connecticut, where he was living.
Reese pleaded guilty to murder in connection with Grayson’s death, which occurred on October 28, 2023. The sentencing took place after a heartfelt statement from Grayson’s family, who described her as a “saint” and urged the community to remember her for the good she did, rather than the actions of Reese.
The Tragic Incident
Grayson was conducting a routine medical visit at the halfway house to check on Reese, a sex offender on probation, but what was meant to be a brief appointment turned deadly. Reese allegedly strangled and beat Grayson to death and attempted to sexually assault her.
The GPS tracker on Grayson’s phone revealed that her appointment, which was supposed to last just eight minutes, extended for nearly four hours, signaling something had gone terribly wrong. Grayson missed all subsequent appointments, and her family became concerned, eventually alerting the authorities.
Investigation and Arrest
When police arrived at the halfway house, they found Reese’s ankle bracelet signaling his location within the home, but when they entered, they found Grayson’s body in the basement.
Reese was later arrested after attempting to flee. He was found in possession of Grayson’s credit cards, her car key fob, a pairing knife, and a crack pipe.
Reese’s Background
Reese had a history of violent offenses, having been convicted in 2007 for first-degree sexual assault. He served 17 years before being released in 2021 and was placed on probation until 2031. However, he violated his probation in 2022 and was re-sentenced.
Despite these violations, Reese was allowed to participate in a residential treatment program for high-risk individuals convicted of sexual offenses before transitioning to the halfway house in August 2023.
Grayson’s Legacy
In the wake of her death, Grayson’s family shared how she was a nurse for decades and a foster parent to over 35 children, receiving the “Foster Parent of the Year” award in 2017. Her tragic death led to changes in policies aimed at protecting home healthcare workers, including the right to request a chaperone during visits.
Grayson’s daughters spoke at the hearing, with one stating that her mother had always taught her to help others, regardless of the challenges, and expressed hope for justice for their loss.
A Step Toward Justice
While no sentence can bring back a loved one, State’s Attorney John F. Fahey praised the work of the Willimantic Police and Connecticut State Police for their diligent investigation.
The case has left a lasting impact on those involved, and the community continues to mourn the loss of Joyce Grayson—a woman remembered for her dedication to care, her foster children, and the countless lives she touched.
