FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Vernon, CT) – Matthew C. Gedansky, Tolland State’s Attorney, announced today that Richard Dabate was sentenced to 65 years in prison for the December 23, 2015 murder of his wife, Connie Dabate.
Dabate was found guilty by a jury on May 10, 2022 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.
Evidence at trial – including 600 exhibits and the testimony of 130 witnesses – showed Dabate fatally shot his wife inside the couple’s Ellington home. The 22-day trial included evidence showing 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 that contradicted Dabate’s claims that a masked intruder perpetrated the murder.
“The evidence in this case was strong and it was made even stronger by the defendant’s motive,” State’s Attorney Gedansky said. “With the judge’s sentence today, Connie’s family and friends are now able to get some measure of justice for her senseless murder. Mr. Dabate will now be held responsible for this cold and heinous act.”
During today’s sentencing hearing in Rockville Superior Court, the Honorable Corinne Klatt was addressed by several members of Connie Dabate’s family and friends. Before handing down the sentence, Judge Klatt said the “nature of the offense was brutal. It was calculated. It was an incomprehensible act,” adding that she believed “the world is truly a lesser place without Connie in it.”
State’s Attorney Gedansky again 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 Dabate’s friends and family who showed patience and grace throughout the prosecution.