Aaron Ramsey had his bond kept at $1 million Friday afternoon during his arraignment in state Superior Court in Norwalk.
Wilton Police arrested him by warrant Thursday on charges of murder, third-degree burglary and first-degree larceny.
Dressed in light blue coveralls and not wearing shoes, Ramsey appeared before Judge Bruce P. Hudock. Judicial Marshalls brought him into the courtroom separated from the other prisoners who were being arraigned.
Throughout most of the proceeding, Ramsey showed no emotion. However, when the judge mentioned the number of media outlooks who requested to photograph the arraignment, Ramsey closed his eyes and put his head down. His face seemed to tighten a little, giving the appearance he was uncomfortable hearing that members of the news media were in the courtroom
A representative from the state Bond Commissioner's office said Ramsey is a lifelong resident of Connecticut who has two prior convictions in Connecticut for possession of marijuana and driving while his license was suspended. He said Ramsey was also convicted in New York for possession of marijuana.
He said Ramsey has no mental health or substance abuse issues.
The representative recommended Hudock keep Ramsey's bond at $1 million on the murder charge, which was the size of the bond Wilton Police set when they arrested him.
Senior Assistant State's Attorney Suzanne Vieu concurred on leaving the bond at $1 million.
Ramsey's attorney, Public Defender James Lamontagne, told Hudock his client's prior arrests did not involve violence, and he requested the bond be reduced to $250,000, which the judge declined to do.
Lamontagne said, "I think there are some mental health issues here," and requested Ramsey undergo a mental heath evaluation while in custody. Hudock ordered that Ramsey undergo such an evaluation and receive treatment if required.
Hudock placed a bond of $500 each for the burglary and larceny charges.
Hudock transferred Ramsey's case to Part A in Stamford, where serious felonies are prosecuted. Ramsey will next appear in state Superior Court in Stamford May 15.
