Community Corner

Murder Suspect Gets $3 Million Bond in Shooting Death of Meriden Store Owner

Felony murder suspect Frankie Resto smirked as a Meriden Superior Court judge read the list of charges levied against him in the courtroom.

Murder suspect Frankie Resto appeared in superior court Friday morning to answer to charges related to the June 27 robbery and shooting death of a local convenience store owner and family man.

After being escorted into the courtroom Resto, 36, tried to move toward a family member of shooting victim Ibrahim Ghazal of Meriden and repeatedly glanced in their direction during his arraignment. Judicial marshals quickly stopped the handcuffed prisoner from taking a step.

Across the courtroom, one of Ghazal's daughters sobbed when Resto was brought before Judge Kathleen E. McNamara about 11:45 a.m.

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His bail was set at $3 million for the murder charge and $100,000 for violation of probation. McNamara then ordered the arrest warrant to remain sealed.

Just as he was about to be escorted from the courtroom, Resto uttered the "F" word while speaking to the judge, causing Mark Buebendorf, the public defender representing him, to apologize to the judge for Resto's language. Again, the marshals quickly tried to contain the suspect who is also charged with first-degree robbery, second-degree larceny and criminal possession of a firearm.

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On June 27,  and killed while he worked at the EZ Mart  at 271 E. Main St. Resto turned himself in to police in Brooklyn, NY, on July 6. He waived extradition was brought back to Meriden on Thursday.

Resto's case has been transfered to New Haven Superior Court, Part A for a court date on July 31.

As he was leaving the courtroom Resto was trying to tell the judge that his alleged accomplice, Willie Breyette, was not involved in the robbery and murder.

"Let him go," Resto was heard saying. His public defender reiterated the request before appearance ended.

Breyette, 25, of New Britain was arraigned in superior court last week on charges of aiding and abetting first-degree robbery and hindering prosecution. Breyette's bail remains at $500,000 and he is scheduled to appear in New Haven Superior Court on Tuesday.


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