Family of Simsbury Murder Victim Issues Statement

SIMSBURY, CT — Just hours after the arraignment of a suspect in a 2014 stabbing death in Simsbury, the victim's family issued a statement thanking supporters for the outpouring of love received since her murder.

The family of Melissa Millan issued the statement, which included a request for privacy, shortly after a news conference at town hall with police and town officials, federal investigators and others.

Millan, 54, a senior vice president with MassMutual, was stabbed to death while jogging on Nov. 20, 2014 on Iron Horse Boulevard, near a section known as "The Greenway." Her body was discovered by a passing motorist, police said.

The case was unsolved for nearly four years, until William Leverett, 27, walked into Simsbury police headquarters Wednesday night and confessed to the killing.

Leverett, who was charged with murder on a warrant Sunday night and arraigned Monday in Enfield Superior Court, is being held on $2 million bail. His case was transferred to Hartford Superior Court, where he is due to appear Oct. 9.

The statement from Millan's family reads:

"The family, friends and coworkers of Melissa Millan are thankful for the outpouring of love and support we’ve received since Melissa’s death in November 2014. Melissa was a loving mother, a devoted daughter, a witty and compassionate sister, a loyal friend, an intelligent, successful businesswoman and mentor to many. The arrest and arraignment of the suspect brings renewed grief, heartache and the knowledge that justice can never be served for the senseless act that robbed us of Melissa’s beautiful presence.

We extend our gratitude to the Simsbury Police Department and other participating law enforcement agencies for all of their work. Now as we confront our individual and collective grief and sorrow, we humbly request respect for our privacy during this difficult and emotional time."

Image and video credits: Tim Jensen

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