Ellington Murder Suspect Still Trying to Finalize $1 Million Bond Financing

ELLINGTON, CT —The Ellington man charged with murder in the shooting death of his wife remained in custody at Hartford Correctional Center early Tuesday afternoon while his legal representative tries to finalize a complicated system to fund his $1 million bond, a corrections official said.

Richard Dabate was taken back to HCC on Monday afternoon from Rockvile Superior Court after defense lawyer Hubert Santos said financing for the bond had been arranged. 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 did not enter 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 $1 million bond to remain and sharply denied the presence family wealth.

He 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 with a total equity of $710,000.

The balance would be paid for via surety, he said.

The judge then allowed to $1 million bond to stand.

The case was continued until April 28.

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

Photo Credit: State Police