This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
04/11/2016 09:35 AMNEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) - A Branford man previously charged with murder in the disappearance of his neighbor has received a reduced sentence in exchange for leading authorities to the man's dismembered body.
The New Haven Register (http://bit.ly/1qDw7HN) reports Thomas Malinka on Friday was sentenced to 12 years in prison for charges of first-degree larceny and tampering with evidence. The murder charge was dropped under the plea deal.
Malinka was arrested in June [2014] for the killing of 61-year-old John Deveau. Prosecutors say Malinka stole more than $20,000 from Deveau through fraudulent use of Deveau's ATM card. Deveau went missing in May 2013 soon after reporting the thefts to police.
Malinka has led authorities to two locations where he said he disposed of Deveau's remains. Malinka's public defender says his client denies causing Deveau's death.
Reporter's Note: Branford Police initially arrested Thomas Malinka in June, 2014 in connection with the death and disappearance of his Crouch Road neighbor, John Deveau,62. Deveau had been missing for just over a year at the time of the 2014 arrest. Malinka was already incarcerated for other crimes at the time he was charged by Branford Police. See the Zip06 report here