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

Felony murder suspect Frankie Resto, 36, tried to move toward a family member of shooting victim Ibrahim Ghazal of Meriden today during his arraignment in Meriden Superior Court. Judicial marshals quickly stopped the handcuffed prisoner from taking a step.

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

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

Just as he was about to be escorted from the courtroom, Resto uttered the "F" word while speaking to the judge. 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.

Victim's Advocate Karen Lucid held Ghazal's daughter's hand as they entered the courtroom and put her arm around the young woman who dropped her head into Lucid's lap as the court proceedings began.

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

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