Arrest Warrant for Murder to Remain Sealed

The last time Miguel Vega, 27, appeared at New London Superior Court from family and friends of 21-year-old Rahmel Perry, the man Vega is accused of shooting on March 3, 2010, forced the judge to clear the courtroom. When Vega appeared today for a hearing, Judge Patrick J. Clifford was taking no chances.

“Any angry outbursts like we had the last time, I will hold those people in contempt,” Clifford said, adding that a contempt charge could result in six months behind bars. Apparently, everyone took the warning to heart because though the courtroom was packed, you could have heard a pin drop as the court considered whether or not to release Vega’s arrest warrant to the public.

At the request of State’s Attorney Michael Regan the affidavit has been sealed up to this point and the prosecution asked that it remain so while the state investigates the case. Vega’s defense attorney, Bruce McIntyre, however, was in court today to ask that the document be made public, because he felt his investigation was hindered by the fact that he could not share details with potential witnesses.

In the end, Judge Clifford decided to err on the side of caution. The arrest warrant will remain sealed until August 3, at which time a second hearing will be held on the matter.

In the meantime, Clifford set September 14 as the date for a probable cause hearing in the case. Defendants charged with serious crimes, such as murder which carries a possible life sentence, are entitled to have a probable cause hearing, during which the state presents the evidence it has to support the charges before a judge, who then determines whether the case can go to trial.

By statute, these hearings must be held within 60 days of charges being filed unless the defendant agrees to an extension. In this instance, the date set for the probable cause hearing exceeds the 60-day time limit but, with Vega’s consent, McIntyre asked for an extension so he can properly investigate and prepare his defense.