Mystery On The Path - Simsbury, Connecticut

In this episode of Small Town Murder, the hosts delve into the tragic story of Melissa Millen, a successful executive and triathlete, who was found stabbed to death while jogging in Simsbury, Connecticut, in November 2014. What initially appeared to be a hit-and-run revealed itself to be a calculated murder when it was discovered she had sustained a fatal stab wound. The episode outlines Millen’s active life and the high-profile nature of her job, which added urgency to the investigation.

The hosts explore the complicated investigation that followed the murder, including the profile of potential suspects such as Millen's ex-husband and colleagues at her workplace. However, after years of searching, no leads emerged, and the case went cold until 2018 when William Winters Leverett, a sex offender living nearby, confessed to the murder during a church meeting after grappling with feelings of loneliness.

Leverett’s confession was shocking as he recounted the events leading up to the murder, stating he acted impulsively after feeling mentally aroused. He detailed his preparations, including bringing a knife, and explained how he approached and attacked Millen. The episode discusses his subsequent arrest, the plea deal he rejected, and ultimately his sentencing of 35 years imprisonment after four years of waiting for justice in a case that had haunted the community.