NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (AP) - A New Britain man is facing a charge of strangling his wife to death.
Luis Velez, 41, was being held on $1 million bond after he was arraigned Monday in New Britain Superior Court, said prosecutor John Malone. Velez was charged with murder in the death of his 33-year-old wife, Johana Gallego.
Police found the victim Saturday.Velez claimed infidelity was the issue, Malone said.
“He was angry at her for that reason that he strangled her,” Malone said.
The prosecutor said Velez used his hands and a belt that was tied around the victim’s neck, but it wasn’t clear which caused her death.
Police were called to the residence by Velez’ sister, who was concerned he was despondent, Malone said.
Velez also told police he served 16 years in prison in Puerto Rico for a fatal shooting and three years for vehicle homicide, Malone said.
A telephone message left with a public defender who represented Velez in court was not immediately returned.
Velez is due back in court on May 5.
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