Ellington Husband Accused of Murder Released From Custody

ELLINGTON, CT — As promised by his defense team, Richard Debate posted a $1 million bond and was released from custody two days after he was arraigned on murder charges for the shooting death of his wife.

A Department of Corrections official said the bond was funded on Wednesday.

Dabate was taken back to Hartford Correctional Center on Monday afternoon from Rockvile Superior Court, but defense lawyer Hubert Santos said it would just be a matter of time before he posted the $1 million bond.

The 40-year-old is accused of killing his 39-year-old wife, Connie, two days before Christmas in 2015. He is charged with murder, evidence tampering and making false statements, according to an arrest warrant.

Dabate has not yet entered a plea.

During a Monday bond hearing before Judge Samuel Sefrrazza, prosecutors pushed for a $5 million bond, citing a flight risk on the part of Dabate and family "means."

Santos asked for the initial $1 million bond to remain and sharply denied the presence family wealth.

Santos said that five homes — including the Dabate house in Ellington, an aunt's house in Manchester and two homes belonging to cousins in Manchester can be turned into a real estate-backed bond from a total equity of $710,000. The balance would then be paid for via surety, he said.

The judge then allowed the $1 million bond to stand and the case was continued until April 28.

See the full story, including details on the arrest warrant, here.

Photo Credit: State Police/Patch