ELLINGTON -- Friday marks one year since an Ellington mother was murdered in her own home and there are still no named suspects.
Thursday evening, a vigil was held to honor her memory. But the community at large still has questions about the crime.
With no arrest, State Police continue to offer their standard statement that it is an "active investigation." Six months after hear death, Ellington First Selectman Lori Spielman told FOX 61 that State Police continue to work the case.
"It's not forgotten," said Spielman at the time. "It's not dropped. They are still working on it."
Official details in the case also remain limited.
A burglary alarm on December 23 brought police to the house on Birchview Drive; officers encountered smoke and then found Dabate's husband, Rick, injured. He told police it was a home invasion robbery. Shortly after Connie Dabate was found dead, shot in the stomach and head.
Right after the crime, detectives claimed there was no threat to the public, but haven't said who is responsible.
Law enforcement experts, like University of New Haven lecturer and former FBI Special Agent Ken Gray, says detectives may not have enough evidence to make an arrest.
"The likelihood of making an arrest drops as time goes on, unless there is some new evidence or new information that comes to light," Gray said.
Spielman offered a similar sentiment earlier this year. "They're still trying to make sure they have enough evidence for a case and make sure that their evidence is perfectly in order."
She added that Rick Dabate and his two children still live at their house on Birchview Drive.
Spielman says she's been assured by the lead detective in the case that an arrest will be made, but she just doesn't know when.
State Police last told FOX 61 there were no updates on the case.
Connie Dabate was 39-years-old.
In July, Connie Dabate's cousin Danielle setup a t-shirt fundraiser to keep her memory alive. The proceeds will go to the RJ & Connor Fund, a fund setup to help Connie’s two children. The shirts say #justiceforconnie.
