Donnelly's Double Murder Trial Stirs Up Painful Memories Nearly Six Years After Killings

It was a story of two very different couples and one tragic ending that left Fairfielders stunned, heartbroken and, ultimately, outraged.

As the chilling details of this profound act of violence that occurred nearly six years ago are recounted in a Bridgeport courtroom, Fairfielders are reliving the pain of the tragic day. If state prosecutors are victorious, 29-year-old Christopher DiMeo will be given the death penalty for the 2005 murders of Fairfield jewelry store owners Tim and Kim Donnelly. DiMeo, and his girlfriend, Nicole Pearce, were on a drug-induced hunt for money to support their $300-a-day heroin habit, according to police documents and published reports.

The long-awaited, emotionally-charged double murder trial is set to begin today at 9:30 a.m. in Bridgeport Superior Court.  Legal experts say the trial could go on for months.  Here is a recap of the incident and related events:

• DiMeo has pleaded not guilty to the fatal shootings of the Donnelly’s during an evening robbery at their Fairfield store (which is now the location of clothing boutique Snappy Gator.) DiMeo was charged with capital felony, two counts of felony murder, two counts of murder, first-degree robbery and criminal possession of a handgun. Prosecutors will have to prove that the murders were aggravated.
• Authorities say Kim Donnelly was shot six times and her husband was shot five times. Tim Donnelly was pronounced dead at the scene, while Kim was transported to Bridgeport Hospital and later died there.
• Pearce, DiMeo’s former girlfriend, pleaded guilty to felony murder for her role in the Fairfield killings. She awaits sentencing and will testify against DiMeo as part of a plea deal.
• During pre-trial proceedings, DiMeo, by many published accounts, was devoid of emotion in court, while Pearce has appeared remorseful and overcome by emotion at times.
• Judge Robert J. Devlin, Jr. denied the defense’s motions to preclude/dismiss/strike that either murder was aggravated, according to court documents. Pearce has told authorities she cased the store the day before the murders.

Going back in time to that cold, winter day, First Selectman Ken Flatto recalled some of the initial events of the tragedy. He told About Town he plans to attend the opening of the trial today, assuming the weather doesn’t postpone it.

“I feel I should be there to support the family,” he said. “The Donnelly family has been unbelievably strong and resilient in the face of this horrible tragedy and their strength of character serves as an inspiration to all of us. I will never forget that horrible afternoon and the efforts that our first responders made and then the hour I spent seeking to console their children at the hospital in the aftermath.”

Steve Elworthy, who served as a selectman when the murders occurred, reflected on that tragic day almost six years ago.

“There is a great deal that I remember about that terrible event. It is so very sad. I was very angry, too,” Elworthy said, adding that even those who didn’t know the couple personally were later acquainted with and touched by their lives. “I didn’t know the Donnelly’s,” Elworthy continued. “However, after the murders, we all learned what great, kind and gentle people they were.”

In the midst of such a deep loss, the community’s outpouring of compassion and support for the family was astounding, Flatto recalled.

“The loss, in the heart of our community, was so hard, yet the community's outpouring of caring for the family was so overwhelming,” he said. “I believe the kindred caring spirits of Tim and Kim will always be with Fairfield, helping us all realize how important family and community are.”

Our community, the Donnelly’s family members and friends from far and wide have been irreparably impacted by this profound loss – but none as deeply as the Donnelly’s two children, Tara and Eric.

DiMeo is currently serving a life sentence for the robbery and murder of a jeweler in Glenhead, N.Y. Many Fairfielders, including Tim Lynch, told About Town they believe DiMeo should get the death penalty. Only time will tell.

About Town will regularly cover the double murder trial of Christopher DiMeo. Readers should check here for daily updates.