The man accused of shooting and killing a Meriden convenience store owner is due in court today for a pre-trial hearing.
Frankie Resto is accused of killing Ibrahim Ghazal at the EZ Mart at 271 East Main St. in Meriden around 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 27, 2012.
Police said Resto demanded money from Ghazal, who handed over money. Then he shot the father of six in the chest, officials said. Ghazal later died at the hospital.
Resto is charged with felony murder, first-degree robbery, criminal possession of a firearm and second-degree larceny.
After a court appearance, Resto was ordered to be held on $3 million for the murder charge and was placed on medical watch.
Resto has prior convictions for robbery and possession of controlled substances, according to court records.
The case brought renewed criticism of the state's early release program and led to more surveillance cameras being installed in Meriden.
