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Willimantic, CT

Willimantic Sex Offender Gets 50-Year Sentence For Brutal Murder Of Beloved Nurse Willimantic Sex Offender Gets 50-Year Sentence For Brutal Murder Of Beloved Nurse
Willimantic Sex Offender Gets 50-Year Sentence For Brutal Murder Of Beloved Nurse A 40-year-old Willimantic man was sentenced to 50 years in prison for the 2023 murder of Joyce Grayson, a well-loved visiting nurse from Brooklyn, Connecticut, authorities said.  Michael Reese pleaded guilty to the charge of murder on Friday, Aug. 8, after he killed Grayson, 63, while she was providing care to him at a halfway house for sexual offenders on October 28, 2023, the Office of State's Attorney said. Grayson, a dedicated mental health nurse for over two decades, had gone to Reese’s residence to provide her usual nursing care when she was tragically attacked, investigators said…
Willimantic Man Nearly Killed In Motorcycle Crash Days After Birthday; Another Rider Hurt Willimantic Man Nearly Killed In Motorcycle Crash Days After Birthday; Another Rider Hurt
Willimantic Man Nearly Killed In Motorcycle Crash Days After Birthday; Another Rider Hurt A 35-year-old Connecticut motorcyclist is in critical condition after a three-vehicle crash sent him to the hospital just days after celebrating his birthday, authorities said. Another person was also hospitalized following the collision, which happened around 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, near Club Road and Route 14 in Windham, according to Connecticut State Police. The motorcyclist, a Willimantic man, was riding a Suzuki GSX alongside another rider on a KTM Super Duke and a third individual on a motorized scooter, police said. While taking a curve at a high speed, the Suzuki rider lost contr…
NJ-Puerto Rico Cocaine Ring: 18 People Arrested, Prosecutors Say NJ-Puerto Rico Cocaine Ring: 18 People Arrested, Prosecutors Say
Nj-puerto Rico Cocaine Ring: 18 People Arrested, Prosecutors Say A two-month investigation led to the arrest of 18 people and the seizure of more than eight kilograms of cocaine, authorities in Salem County announced on Monday, June 23. Over the course of a two-month investigation, authorities connected cocaine suppliers from Puerto Rico to distributors operating in Salem City and Mount Holly for distribution of cocaine along the East Coast from New Jersey to Massachusetts, the Salem County Prosecutor’s Office said. The arrests led to a “record-breaking seizure of narcotics,” authorities said. The 18 people arrested and charged with narcotics offenses a…
Teen Nearly Hits Trooper In Ashford, Leads Police On High-Speed Chase: Cops Teen Nearly Hits Trooper In Ashford, Leads Police On High-Speed Chase: Cops
Teen Nearly Hits Trooper In Ashford, Leads Police On High-Speed Chase: Cops A Connecticut teenager is facing multiple serious charges after police say he sped through a crash scene, nearly hitting a trooper, before leading law enforcement on a dangerous chase. Matthew Wall, 18, of Coventry, was arrested Thursday evening, June 5, and charged with multiple felonies, Connecticut State Police said.  The arrest stems from a March 16 incident on Route 89 in Ashford. Troopers were investigating a crash site when a truck nearly hit a trooper and one of the drivers in the wreck, authorities said. Officials said the two people would have been seriously hurt if he h…
Willimantic Hit-Run Crash: Police Warn Driver As Victim Fights For Life Willimantic Hit-Run Crash: Police Warn Driver As Victim Fights For Life
Willimantic Hit-Run Crash: Police Warn Driver As Victim Fights For Life Police are urging a hit-and-run driver to come forward after a crash left a moped rider in critical condition Monday night, May 26.  Around 9:12 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Ash Street and North Street in Willimantic after reports of a serious crash between a moped and a pickup truck. When they arrived, the truck was gone, authorities said. It had fled the scene without stopping to help or speak with police. The moped operator, an adult, was seriously hurt in the collision. They were first taken to Windham Hospital, but because their injuries were so severe had to be…
She 'Brought So Much Joy': Funeral Announced For Mansfield Center Mom, Beloved Waitress She 'Brought So Much Joy': Funeral Announced For Mansfield Center Mom, Beloved Waitress
She 'Brought So Much Joy': Funeral Announced For Mansfield Center Mom, Beloved Waitress Friends and family of a beloved Connecticut mother, known for her warmth, compassion, and kindness, have announced details of her funeral. Kelsey Dunnack, 36, of Mansfield Center, was a well-loved waitress at That Breakfast Place in Willimantic, where she worked alongside her teenage daughter. She passed away on Wednesday, March 12, though details of her death have not been released. Her funeral service is scheduled for Monday at First Congregational Church, located at 199 Valley St. in Willimantic. Doors open at noon, and services begin at 1 p.m., according to her obituary. Dozens of peop…
Community Reeling After Mansfield Center Mom's Death: 'Beyond Heartbroken' Community Reeling After Mansfield Center Mom's Death: 'Beyond Heartbroken'
Community Reeling After Mansfield Center Mom's Death: 'Beyond Heartbroken' A Connecticut mother who recently passed away is being remembered for her kindness, compassion, and infectious smile. Kelsey Dunnack, of Mansfield Center, was a popular waitress at That Breakfast Place in Willimantic, where she worked with her teenage daughter. The circumstances of her death have not been released. "The worst phone call anyone could receive happened, and we are all beyond heartbroken, crushed, and stuck in disbelief," the restaurant posted on Facebook. "Kelsey Dunnack had a smile and a laugh that could light up any room. She was everyone's friend—always full of jokes and lo…
Willimantic Police Find Halloween Shooting Suspect In Prison: Cops Willimantic Police Find Halloween Shooting Suspect In Prison: Cops
Willimantic Police Find Halloween Shooting Suspect In Prison: Cops A man accused of opening fire during a brawl at a Willimantic bar on Halloween night 2021 has been arrested after serving time in New York on unrelated charges, police said. Kaseim Brown, 27, was taken into custody by Willimantic police officers on Feb. 18 after they traveled to New York to execute a warrant for his arrest. Authorities had been investigating Brown’s role in the shooting for more than three years before securing the warrant. Police said the altercation erupted at a local bar on Oct. 31, 2021, and led to shots being fired. After an extensive investigation, police linked Brown…
Everywhere ICE Agents Have Been Spotted In CT; What To Know About Raids, Your Rights Everywhere ICE Agents Have Been Spotted In CT; What To Know About Raids, Your Rights
Everywhere ICE Agents Have Been Spotted In CT; What To Know About Raids, Your Rights As President Donald Trump pushes ahead with his controversial initiative to detain and deport millions of migrants, people across Connecticut have begun reporting on social media where they’ve spotted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. ICE agents have spread out nationwide, arresting more than 5,500 people in the first week of Trump’s presidency, according to ABC News — nearly tripling the number of arrests in an average week during Joe Biden’s term. NBC News reported the agency has a daily quota of 1,250 to 1,500 arrests.  However, tracking these arrests and detain…
Man Crashed Into By Willimantic Girl's Basketball Coach Also Facing Charges: Police Man Crashed Into By Willimantic Girl's Basketball Coach Also Facing Charges: Police
Man Crashed Into By Willimantic Girl's Basketball Coach Also Facing Charges: Police A man who police say was intentionally run over by a Connecticut girls' basketball coach has been arrested for his alleged role in the altercation, which reportedly began during a game between two players. Jason Suprenant, 40, of Columbia, was charged this week with breach of peace and held on a $5,000 bond, according to Connecticut State Police. The incident occurred on the morning of Saturday, Jan. 11, at Horace Porter School in Columbia, involving Suprenant and Bryan Baez-Rivera, a 29-year-old girls' basketball coach from Willimantic. Original Report: Youth Basketball Coach Intentiona…
Video Shows Willimantic Youth Basketball Coach Ram Victim With Car After Game: Police Video Shows Willimantic Youth Basketball Coach Ram Victim With Car After Game: Police
Video Shows Willimantic Youth Basketball Coach Ram Victim With Car After Game: Police A Connecticut youth basketball coach had children in his vehicle when he rammed someone with his car in a school parking lot following a game over the weekend, authorities said. Surveillance footage, shared by WFSB, shows the victim position themself in front of 29-year-old Bryan Baez-Rivera's vehicle after the game at Horace Porter School in Columbia when the coach from Willimantic 11:20 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, Connecticut State Police said.  Baez-Rivera, who was coaching the opposing girl's team, made no attempt to avoid the person and rams into them with his v…
Man Steals Car With Child Inside In Willimantic, Mom Also Arrested: Police Man Steals Car With Child Inside In Willimantic, Mom Also Arrested: Police
Man Steals Car With Child Inside In Willimantic, Mom Also Arrested: Police Two people are facing charges after a 3-year-old was left in an idling vehicle that was stolen from a Connecticut gas station parking lot this week, including the child's mother, police said. Hainef Ramon Baker, 28, of Norwich, allegedly stole a Volkswagon parked outside a Valero gas station in Willimantic on Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 4, authorities said. Police later found the child unharmed and arrested Baker in Preston. He now faces multiple charges, including second-degree kidnapping, robbery by carjacking, and risk of injury to a minor. Police said Baker climbed into the idling ca…
'I'll Blow Your Head Off': Wanted Windham Man Threatens Police In Late-Night Encounter 'I'll Blow Your Head Off': Wanted Windham Man Threatens Police In Late-Night Encounter
'I'll Blow Your Head Off': Wanted Windham Man Threatens Police In Late-Night Encounter A Connecticut man with outstanding warrants was arrested over the weekend following a tense confrontation with state police, authorities said. Maxx Gallup, 26, and another man were spotted walking along the southbound shoulder of Route 32 around 2:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, near Alice Street in Windham, while wearing all black, Connecticut state police said. When troopers arrived, one of the men ran into the woods, but Gallup confronted them. According to police, Gallup initially complied with commands to show his hands but repeatedly concealed them, prompting officers to detain him for saf…
11-Year-Old, Teen Crash Stolen Jeep In CT 11-Year-Old, Teen Crash Stolen Jeep In CT
11-Year-Old, Teen Crash Stolen Jeep In CT An 11-year-old and a 16-year-old were charged with stealing a Jeep Compass in Connecticut and then fleeing after being spotted by State Police before crashing into another vehicle head-on. The incident began in Windham County on Tuesday, July 30, around 7 a.m. in Willimantic. According to Connecticut State Police, the Willimantic Police Department contacted them to advise that the stolen 2019 Jeep was last seen heading north on Route 32 in Tolland County near Mansfield. Troopers spotted the vehicle traveling northbound on Route 32 through Mansfield and into Willington. At that point, a tro…
Drunk, Machete-Carrying Driver Among Duo Nabbed In CT Traffic Stop, Police Say Drunk, Machete-Carrying Driver Among Duo Nabbed In CT Traffic Stop, Police Say
Drunk, Machete-Carrying Driver Among Duo Nabbed In CT Traffic Stop, Police Say A suspected drunk driver was among two men reportedly carrying machetes who were arrested following a highway traffic stop in Connecticut, police said. Connecticut State Police said parkgoers in Tolland County called 911 at around 3 p.m. Monday, July 15, about two men seen carrying machetes and stumbling in a wooded area in Columbia, near Recreation Fields on Hennequin Road. The men then drove off and witnesses provided troopers with a description of their vehicle. Police spotted them a short time later allegedly driving recklessly on Middletown Road (Route 66) and pulled them over. Durin…
Fatal Crash: 35-Year-Old CT Woman ID'd As Victim After Car Slams Into Pole, Down Embankment Fatal Crash: 35-Year-Old CT Woman ID'd As Victim After Car Slams Into Pole, Down Embankment
Fatal Crash: 35-Year-Old CT Woman ID'd As Victim After Car Slams Into Pole, Down Embankment A woman was killed after a single-vehicle car crash in Connecticut. It happened in Windham County at around 10:15 a.m. Friday, July 12, in the town of Woodstock. A 2011 Toyota Camry was traveling northbound on Roseland Park Road just south of Arvidson Road at an unknown speed when it veered off the roadway to the right, striking approximately 40 inches of wooden fence, Connecticut State Police said. The Camry continued traveling north, striking a utility pole on the northbound shoulder before crashing down an embankment, where it came to a final rest against a stan…
Tree Falls, Kills Man In CT During Sudden Storm Tree Falls, Kills Man In CT During Sudden Storm
Tree Falls, Kills Man In CT During Sudden Storm A 53-year-old man was killed after a tree fell on him in Connecticut during a sudden thunderstorm.  The incident happened in Windham County just after 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26, when a man walking in the area of Union Street and Jackson Avenue in Willimantic was hit by a fallen tree during a storm, according to Willimantic Fire Chief Marc Scrivener.  According to Scrivener, the man had been in "the wrong place at the wrong time." It is not known why he had been walking.  Arriving firefighters within minutes and found the man under the tree. They then used cr…
‘I’m Not Playing’: Customer Threatens CT Staples Workers Over Denied Return, Police Say ‘I’m Not Playing’: Customer Threatens CT Staples Workers Over Denied Return, Police Say
‘I’m Not Playing’: Customer Threatens CT Staples Workers Over Denied Return, Police Say A disgruntled customer is facing charges after allegedly threatening violence against employees at a Staples store. The Windham County incident happened in Willimantic, at the Staples store on Storrs Road. Connecticut State Police said a store supervisor contacted the agency on Thursday, April 11, after discovering a concerning post from a customer on the social media platform, X. In the post, which was directed at Staples corporate, the customer said they wanted their money in the next two days “or the managers of the Willimantic CT Staples better Google ‘Family Guy Stewie where’s my mon…
UConn Student Dies After Falling From Campus Parking Garage UConn Student Dies After Falling From Campus Parking Garage
UConn Student Dies After Falling From Campus Parking Garage A UConn student died after falling from a high level of the south garage onto the pavement below. The incident occurred in Tolland County around 9:30 a.m., Thursday, March 7 at the college in Storrs. According to Stephanie Reitz, director of communications for the college, UConn police and fire personnel responded following reports of a person falling from a high level of the south garage onto the pavement. The man, an undergraduate student whose identity has not yet been released, was taken to Windham Hospital in Willimantic with serious injuries, she said. The student later died at the …
CT Officer On Leave After His Vehicle Was Involved In Wreck CT Officer On Leave After His Vehicle Was Involved In Wreck
CT Officer On Leave After His Vehicle Was Involved In Wreck A Connecticut police officer is on paid administrative leave after a vehicle he owned hit six parked vehicles and fled the scene. The incident took place in Windham County around 2 a.m., Sunday, March 3 in the vicinity of 480 Main St., in Willimantic. According to the Willimantic Police Assistant Chief Douglas Glode, an investigation determined that a white Jeep traveling eastbound on Main Street collided with a parked vehicle which led to a chain reaction that damaged six other parked vehicles. All of the parked vehicles were unoccupied. The driver of the Jeep that caused the co…
Man Uses 'Implied Weapon' To Rob CT Gas Station: Suspect At Large Man Uses 'Implied Weapon' To Rob CT Gas Station: Suspect At Large
Man Uses 'Implied Weapon' To Rob CT Gas Station: Suspect At Large Authorities are looking for a man who robbed a Connecticut gas station of cash and food.  The robbery happened in Tolland County on Thursday, Feb. 22 just before 8:30 p.m., when a man walked into the Citgo gas station at 205 Merrow Rd. (Route 195) in Tolland and confronted the cashier with an "implied weapon" according to Connecticut State Police. The man demanded that the cashier open the drawer and withdraw money. He then grabbed the cash and several food items before leaving the store and fleeing in a black four-door sedan believed to be a Honda Accord. This car sped south on Route …
Beloved Nurse Remembered After Being Found Dead In CT Basement: 'Always Went Extra Step' Beloved Nurse Remembered After Being Found Dead In CT Basement: 'Always Went Extra Step'
Beloved Nurse Remembered After Being Found Dead In CT Basement: 'Always Went Extra Step' A beloved mother, grandmother, and wife who dedicated her life to doing everything she could for her patients as a visiting nurse is being remembered following her murder in a Connecticut residence.  Joyce Grayson, age 63, died on Saturday, Oct. 28 after going missing while she was performing her duties as a visiting nurse at a residence in the Windham County municipality of Willimantic. Grayson was reported missing by her family around 2 p.m. on Saturday, prompting Willimantic Police to search the area of Chapman Street. After finding her vehicle, officers tracked her to a nearby resi…
Missing Woman Found Dead In CT Basement: 'One Of Worst Cases I Have Seen,' Police Chief Says Missing Woman Found Dead In CT Basement: 'One Of Worst Cases I Have Seen,' Police Chief Says
Missing Woman Found Dead In CT Basement: 'One Of Worst Cases I Have Seen,' Police Chief Says Authorities are investigating after a woman reported missing was found dead in a Connecticut basement, police said.  The events leading up to the discovery began in Windham County on Saturday, Oct. 28 around 2 p.m., when Willimantic Police were contacted by the family of a woman who had been missing since mid-morning.  New, updated report: Beloved Nurse Remembered After Being Found Dead In Willimantic Home: 'Always Went Extra Step' According to the department, police responded to the area of Chapman Street to investigate the disappearance and determined that the woman's vehi…
Witnesses Wanted: 28-Year-Old CT Man Killed After Hitting Back Of Tractor-Trailer Witnesses Wanted: 28-Year-Old CT Man Killed After Hitting Back Of Tractor-Trailer
Witnesses Wanted: 28-Year-Old CT Man Killed After Hitting Back Of Tractor-Trailer Connecticut State Poice are asking for witnesses to a fatal crash that killed a 28-year-old Connecticut man and injured his passenger. The crash took place in New Haven County around 2 a.m., Sunday, July 23 on I-91 near Exit 14 in Wallingford. Windham County resident Jessie Barbosa-Santiago, age 28, of Willimantic, was driving a Suzuki GSXR1 motorcycle in the center lane when he hit the rear of a tractor-trailer in the area of Exit 14, according to state police.  Barbosa-Santiago and a rider on the motorcycle, identified as a 22-year-old woman, were thrown from the motorcycle followin…
Man Charged In Crash That Kills 22-Year-Old Hanging Out Of Sunroof In Bridgeport Man Charged In Crash That Kills 22-Year-Old Hanging Out Of Sunroof In Bridgeport
Man Charged In Crash That Kills 22-Year-Old Hanging Out Of Sunroof In Bridgeport A 22-year-old Connecticut man has died following a crash while he was hanging out of the sunroof while standing in the backseat of the car. Windham County resident Miguel Angel Rodriguez, of Willimantic, died on Sunday, June 25, hours after the crash in New Haven County on Derby Avenue in Orange. According to the Orange Police, an investigation found that a white 1995 Honda Civic being driven by Fairfield County resident Jeremie Rodriguez, age 19, of Bridgeport was traveling eastbound on Derby Avenue when he disregarded the traffic control signal and collided with a silver 2021 Do…
New Update: ID Discovered Of 22-Year-Old Struck, Killed By Car, CT State Police Say New Update: ID Discovered Of 22-Year-Old Struck, Killed By Car, CT State Police Say
New Update: ID Discovered Of 22-Year-Old Struck, Killed By Car, CT State Police Say This story has been updated.  Police have determined the identity of a man who was fatally struck by a car while walking on a busy road in Connecticut. The incident happened in Middlesex County on Sunday, April 30 around 3:45 p.m. on Route 9 in Middletown in the area of Exit 10, according to Connecticut State Police.  A vehicle had been traveling southbound on Route 9 just before old Exit 10 (Exit 19) when it hit a pedestrian in the right lane, police said.  The pedestrian was then taken to Hartford Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.  The victim, whose identity …
CT 10-Year-Old Dies After Serious Illness: 'Had Many Adventures' CT 10-Year-Old Dies After Serious Illness: 'Had Many Adventures'
CT 10-Year-Old Dies After Serious Illness: 'Had Many Adventures' Friends and family members are remembering a 10-year-old boy from Connecticut who lived a life full of adventure and fun despite his battle with a serious illness.  New London County resident Jeremy Amberg, who lived in Lebanon and was born in Willimantic, died on Saturday, March 18 at the age of 10 after a severe illness, according to his obituary.  Although his life was short, it was certainly spent well, as Amberg went on many fun trips to places such as Disney World, Universal Studios, and Seaworld in Orlando, Florida. He also spent much time enjoying outings with his fam…
Visitors 'Really Impressed' By New Wood-Fired Pizza Place In Willimantic Visitors 'Really Impressed' By New Wood-Fired Pizza Place In Willimantic
Visitors 'Really Impressed' By New Wood-Fired Pizza Place In Willimantic Visitors are already singing praises of a new wood-fired pizza place in eastern Connecticut that prides itself on using fresh local ingredients.  Windham County's Trigo Wood-Fired Pizza, located in Willimantic at 744 Main St., is an all-new "Harvest-to-Hearth" restaurant that held a grand opening celebration on Friday, Feb. 17, and has already seen plenty of patrons.  The celebration included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and also featured speeches from Connecticut Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Windham Mayor Tom DiVivo, Mansfield Mayor Toni Moran, and other restaurant owners in the area.  The…
Restaurant Closing Soon In CT: 'Great Relief', Owner Says Restaurant Closing Soon In CT: 'Great Relief', Owner Says
Restaurant Closing Soon In CT: 'Great Relief', Owner Says A restaurant in Windham County known for its unique vegan options will soon be taking a sabbatical.  Not Only Juice Marketplace and Kitchen, located in Willimantic at 790 Main St. (Route 66), will be closing at the end of March after eight years, according to a Facebook post from the business.  The restaurant's owner said that after going through personal hardships for more than a year, they came to the conclusion that they had completed what they set out to achieve through the eatery.  "That conclusion has been such a great relief and has allowed me to acknowledge that I am simply done wi…
'Untimely Death' Under Investigation After Body Found Inside Windham County Home 'Untimely Death' Under Investigation After Body Found Inside Windham County Home
'Untimely Death' Under Investigation After Body Found Inside Windham County Home State police are investigating after a man was found dead inside a Windham County home. The man was found around 11 a.m. in Willimantic on Monday, Jan. 23 by the Willimantic Police who responded to a report of an "untimely death," at a home on Aspen Place, state police said. The Willimantic Fire Department and paramedics from Windham Hospital also responded to the residence, where the adult male was located and pronounced dead at the scene. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office was notified of the death and responded to the scene to investigate.  At the request of the Sta…
CT's First Adult-Use Recreational Marijuana Sales To Begin In January At These Dispensaries CT's First Adult-Use Recreational Marijuana Sales To Begin In January At These Dispensaries
CT's First Adult-Use Recreational Marijuana Sales To Begin In January At These Dispensaries The first recreational-use, hybrid marijuana dispensaries are set to open in Connecticut in January. The state Department of Consumer Protection said on Friday, Dec. 9, that eight licensed hybrid retailers will be allowed to open their doors at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2023, depending on local zoning hours. “I am proud of the hard work our team has done to meet the goal of opening adult-use sales in a safe, well-regulated market,” said DCP Commissioner Michelle Seagull.  Hybrid retailers were previously allowed to sell medical marijuana and now will be permitted to sell recreation…