FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Vernon, CT) – Matthew C. Gedansky, Tolland State’s Attorney, announced that Richard Dabate was found guilty by a jury today of Murder in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-54a, Tampering with Physical Evidence in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-155 and Making a False Statement in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-157b.
Dabate’s conviction stems from the shooting death of his wife, Connie Dabate, on December 23, 2015 inside the couple’s Ellington home. Evidence presented at the 22-day trial showed forensic examinations of various forms of technology, including Connie’s personal fitness tracker, Dabate’s computer tablet, the home’s alarm system and each of the couple’s cellphones contradicted Dabate’s claims that a masked intruder perpetrated the murder.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 16, 2022 in Rockville Superior Court. Following today’s verdict, Judge Corinne Klatt, increased Dabate’s bond to $5 million.
“The thorough and thoughtful examination of technology was key to this investigation and was significant in proving that the defendant was guilty of this crime,” State’s Attorney Gedansky said. “In the end, though, this was another case of domestic violence. And though much progress has been made in recent years to support victims and survivors and to hold abusers accountable, these domestic violence homicides are still happening so we must continue to work together to end domestic violence.”
State’s Attorney Gedansky wishes to extend his gratitude for the extensive investigative efforts of the Connecticut State Police Eastern District Major Crime Squad, Inspector P.J. Clark, the Division's Legal Technology Specialist, the State of Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory, the FBI, and all of Connie’s friends and family who showed patience and grace throughout the prosecution.