Robert Bell, 63, of New Fairfield, appeared in a white T-shirt and khaki pants for his arraignment Monday on first-degree manslaughter charges.
Bell was represented by Public Defender Mark Johnson before Superior Court Judge John Blawie, who set Bell's bond at $750,000. Bell had no prior criminal record, he has family in the area, and he earned a bachelor's degree, according to Johnson, who asked that bond would be set below $500,000.
Police were called to the Bell family's New Fairfield home at about 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. Svetlana Bell was on the kitchen floor with gunshot wounds to the chest, according to police. She was pronounced dead at Danbury Hospital.
Svetlana Bell, 47, was a music teacher at Cider Mill School, and a member of the Danbury Symphony Orchestra.
Judge Blawie put a protective order against Bell, saying he couldn't call, visit, meet or stalk his daughter, saying he could have no contact with her in any way at home, work or elsewhere. Judge Blawie said Bell could not have any firearms and if he has any, he must turn them over to New Fairfield Police.
Bell is retired, and he last worked for 14 years with Beta Squared Lithography in Brookfield. He reportedly has a brother and sister in the area.
The case was was continued to Jan. 7.
ADDITIONAL COVERAGE
- Beyond the Headlines: Wilton Parents Struggle with News of a Teacher's Death
- Principal: Counseling Available to Students Following Teacher's Death
- Reports: Wilton Music Teacher Fatally Shot by Husband in New Fairfield
