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Community Corner

Branford Man Charged With Murder of Missing Neighbor

Branford resident Thomas Malinka (DOB 2/15/1970) of 33D Crouch Road was arrested for the death and mysterious disappearance of his neighbor, John Deveau (5/1/1952) of 33C Crouch Rd. 

Deveau was reported missing the week of May 25, 2013 during Memorial Day weekend. 

Detective Lieutenant Arthur Kohloff led the investigation, working closely with Connecticut State Police and the New Haven State’s Attorney office. 

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Malinka was charged with murder and arraigned on June 10, 2014 in New Haven Superior. He is being held on a $500,000 bond.

Currently incarcerated for other crimes, Malinka has a lengthy arrest record including stealing pills in July of 2013 from the missing neighbor's home. In June 2013 he was arrested and charged with use and possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of narcotics, third-degree burglary and sixth-degree larceny.

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Police stated that the body of the victim still has not yet been located, but they were able to string together other  pieces of evidence to make the arrest.

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