A Connecticut computer technician in love with two different women has been found guilty of killing his wife, then floating a preposterous cover story that an obese, masked intruder with a deep, bass voice like actor Vin Diesel actually broke in and shot her after asking for their credit cards and PIN numbers. Richard Dabate, a 40-year-old from the town of Ellington, was convicted by a jury Tuesday on all charges—first-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence and providing a false statement—in the Dec. 23, 2015 death of Connie Dabate. Richard Dabate’s seemingly airtight alibi unraveled before his very eyes, thanks to data from Connie’s Fitbit that undercut his story. “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 Matthew 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.” Outside the courthouse after the verdict, Connie Dabate’s family said in a statement: “Justice has prevailed today. As you know this trial was designated as the ‘Fitbit trial.’ The trial was not about a Fitbit but about a cold-blooded and planned murder of Connie, our daughter... There will be no closure for the Margotta family but there is finally justice for Connie.” In statements to police and in court, Dabate claimed the camouflage-clad intruder led him into the kitchen after shooting Connie and stabbed him in the legs with a boxcutter, subsequently rendering him immobile by zip-tying him to a chair. While tied down, Dabate said he managed to grab a blowtorch and burned the intruder’s face, who then fled the scene. Detectives said Dabate’s story kept changing, and Connie’s Fitbit sealed the deal, according to the warrant. In court, Dabate testified that he was in love with two women and didn’t know what to do. To cover his tracks, Dabate told his wife lies about working late and playing cards with friends. With Ganzer, Dabate continued to insist he was about to file for divorce. Dabate told his buddies that he had gotten Ganzer pregnant during a one-night stand, and told police that she was carrying a child for him and Connie as a surrogate. While testifying in his own defense, Dabate offered a slightly different story than the one he told the police. He hadn’t heard the “intruder” as soon as he walked in but instead said he sat down at his computer and only later did he notice any sort of commotion. Under cross-examination, Dabate didn’t have a good answer when asked why he first told police he had heard one or two gunshots, when there were actually three. Dabate steadfastly maintained his innocence throughout the trial. In Connecticut, murder carries a prison term of up to 60 years. His sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 16. SUPPORT MY WORK Buy Me a Coffee ☕ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/deeptruecrime ☕ FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA www.twitter.com/deeptruecrime www.facebook.com/deeptruecrime www.tiktok.com/@deeptruecrime www.instagram.com/deeptruecrime Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research.
