Richard Dabate, 40, has been arrested and charged with the 2015 murder of his wife, Connie Dabate, following a lengthy investigation. State police announced the arrest on Friday, revealing that an arrest warrant had been issued for Dabate, who was taken into custody on Birchview Drive and processed at Troop C in Tolland.
Dabate faces charges of first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and providing a false statement. He is currently being held on a $1 million bond.
The incident occurred on December 23, 2015, when a burglary alarm at the Dabate home alerted police. Upon arriving, officers found Richard Dabate suffering from minor injuries and reported smoke at the scene. Dabate initially claimed that an intruder had broken into the house, tied him up, and fled. However, investigators found no evidence of another person at the scene, and a K-9 unit was unable to locate any trace of the supposed intruder.
Shortly after arriving at the house, police discovered Connie Dabate’s body with gunshot wounds to the stomach and head. The investigation into the crime led to the release of a 50-page arrest warrant, detailing the interactions between Richard and Connie, as well as witness statements.
One key piece of evidence found on Connie’s iPhone was a note titled “Why I Want a Divorce,” which outlined several troubling incidents in her marriage. This evidence, along with other findings, prompted further suspicion about Richard Dabate’s involvement.
Dabate is being held at the Hartford Correctional Center and is scheduled to appear in Tolland Superior Court on Monday. His attorney, Hubert Santos, maintains his client’s innocence and expressed confidence that Richard will be vindicated at trial.