Matthew Knox

Richard Dabate has been sentenced to 65 years in prison for the murder of his wife Connie Dabate on Dec. 23, 2015. In a statement before the sentence was handed down, Dabate maintained his innocence, and said he would continue fighting for justice for Connie and himself.

Richard Dabate sentencing: A judge has rejected motions for an aquittal or a new trial for Dabate, saying none of the topics the defense brought up resulted in an unfair trial. Connie's family just finished giving impact statments, and Richards family is up next.

A Vernon superior court judge is scheduled to sentence Richard Dabate today in the murder of his wife, Connie, in December 2015. But first the judge will hear arguments about motions filed by Dabate's lawyers for an acquittal, and for a new trial.

Richard Dabate verdict: Guilty on all counts. Bond raised to $5 million. Dabate was led out the courtroom in handcuffs, and if he posts bond, will have to wear a gps monitor. Hes facing a minimum sentence of 25 years.

Richard Dabate trial day 24: the jury has asked to have testimony from two witnesses replayed. Both are employees of the state forensic lab, and testified about collecting DNA evidence in the case.

Richard Dabate trial day 23: Final arguments are complete. The prosecutor focused on bringing up a lot of questions to dispute Dabate's account of his wife's death, while Dabate's lawyer questioned the evidence presented during the trial, and the investigation in general.

Dabate trial update: lawyers on both sides will present their final arguments Monday morning. Each will have an hour to persuade the jury. Then the judge will give the jury instructions on how to reach a verdict, and they'll begin deliberating.

Richard Dabate trial day 22: the defense has rested its case after calling four witnesses. Dabate and his father took the stand Thursday, and this morning Dabate's aunt and a woman who was cleaning at a home near the Dabates' house. The jury was excused for the rest of the day.

Dabate trial update: the prosecutor is in the middle of questioning Dabate. He's asking very direct questions such as: you staged the crime scene right? Or you stabbed your own legs? Dabate has denied all such accusations.

Richard Dabate trial day 21: Dabate has taken the stand in his own defense, and he's sticking with his account that an intruder killed his wife Connie and attacked and tied him up. His lawyer has finished with direct examination, and state will start after a short break.

Dabate trial update: An examination of Connie's phone found an email she sent to herself, addressed to her husband, that said the relationship wasnt working, and she wanted to find someone who would love and respect her.

Richard Dabate trial day 20: The courtroom opened early this morning so the lawyers could argue about admitting evidence, like notes found on Connie Dabate's cellphone about reasons she wanted a divorce.

Richard Dabate trial day 19: Today is one of the last days the prosecutor is presenting his case, and he's called an expert to testify about the alarm system at Dabate's home. It recorded motion inside, and the opening of doors the morning Connie Dabate was killed.

Richard Dabate trial day 16: Back in action today, after a day off Wednesday, but its only going to be a half day. On Tuesday, the judge said the prosecutor expects to conclude his case the middle of next week, which is in line with the schedule.

Richard Dabate trial day 15: Connie's sister and brother-in-law testified about the day after Connie's death, when Dabate told them and Connies parents what happened. It was the first time they learned how she died.

Richard Dabate trial day 14: The first few witnesses today have been family and friends of Dabate, talking about how he revealed his affair, and his account of how Connie was killed. There were also some motion arguments. The jury will not be hearing about a 2nd affair.

Richard Dabate trial day 13: the woman who became pregnant with Dabate's child in 2015 is testifying this morning about their relationship. So far the prosecutor has asked about her pregnancy, and what dabate told her about getting a divorce from his wife, Connie.

Dabate trial update: a particle characteristic of gunshot residue was found on Dabate's right hand and left back pocket. That means three elements of residue were found. That doesn't neccessarily mean he fired a gun, a forensic examiner said.

Richard Dabate trial day 12: an unknown person's DNA was found on closet door knobs in the Dabate's bedroom, and the cylinder latch and handle of the gun used to kill Connie Dabate. The DNA samples were compared to state police and the employee who sold the gun too.

Richard Dabate trial update: Court ended today with a few forensic biologists from the state laboratory on the witness stand. They all played different parts in testing the evidence police collected at the scene for blood and DNA.