Branford Murder Suspect Yet To Enter a Plea

Thomas Malinka, 44, of Branford, who is accused of killing his neighbor, has yet to enter a plea and had his case continued Thursday to Sept. 9, the New Haven Register reports. 

Malinka will also need a probable cause hearing. Earlier this month, Malinka had his bond lowered in order to allow him to use the prison library, the New Haven Register reports. 

Malinka's bond had been $1.1 million but that prevented him from use of the prison library and it needed to be below $1 million. A Judge set his new bail at $950,000, but Malinka remains held on bond, the Register reports. 

Information provided by Branford police last month. 

Branford police arrested Malinka, 44, of 33D Crouch Road, for the alleged death and mysterious disappearance of his neighbor, John Deveau, 62, of 33C Crouch Road, who was reported missing just over a year ago on Memorial Day weekend, police said in a release. 

Detective Lt. Arthur Kohloff, whose detectives led the investigation, said they worked closely with Connecticut State Police and the New Haven Office of the State’s Attorney to bring the case to an arrest.

Malinka, who is currently incarcerated for other crimes was charged with murder and arraigned in Superior Court, New Haven Tuesday morning. He is currently being held on a $500,000 bond.

The New Haven Register reported in July 2013 that Malinka allegedly broke into Deveau’s house and stole his prescription drugs. Malinka has served eight years for a felony robbery conviction in New Britain where he dragged two women with his car in a purse snatching.

Branford Chief Kevin Halloran said, “This has been a very difficult case for the detectives, due to their continued perseverance they have been able to link Thomas Malinka to this crime.”