Detroit Man Sentenced to 10 Years For Assaulting and Strangling Nurse Practitioner

DETROIT – A Detroit man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for assaulting, strangling, and injuring a nurse practitioner in a federal detention facility, United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison announced.

Ison was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, FBI Special Agent in Charge.

Tyjuan Gray, 24, was sentenced by United States District Judge Terrence G. Berg.

According to court records, in July 2023, Gray, an inmate at FCI Milan, attacked at a nurse during a routine medical visit. Gray grabbed the nurse’s throat, hitting her head against the wall. Gray held the nurse’s wrists so that she was unable to radio for help or defend herself. When the victim fell to the floor, Gray kneed her in the stomach while restraining her and strangling her. Just as she was nearing unconsciousness, another inmate pulled Gray off the victim, allowing her to activate her alarm. Afterwards, the victim required medical treatment from the effects of strangulation.

“This defendant perpetrated an unprovoked, egregious assault on a healthcare professional providing him with medical care. His actions not only caused her physical injury but took away her ability to feel safe at work and left her with emotional scars that will last a lifetime. The prosecution and sentence in this case should send a strong message that we will address violence wherever it occurs,” U.S. Attorney Ison said.

“The defendant’s assault of his nurse was unjustifiable and completely unacceptable, considering the defendant was receiving routine medical care,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “This sentencing reflects the seriousness of his despicable actions and hopefully provides the nurse with a bit of solace knowing justice was served."
 

This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Hindelang.