Branford Man Set To Go On Trial For Third Time In Arson Case

The Associated Press
July 11, 2000

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) A Branford businessman is set to go on trial for a third time on charges he burned down his flooring business, causing the death of a firefighter.

A trial date of Jan. 8 was set Monday for Anthony ''Gene'' Bontatibus, 61. His first trial in 1998 ended in a hung jury. His second trial in March ended in a mistrial because of juror misconduct.

Bontatibus is charged with arson murder in the fire at his business, Floors & More, on Thanksgiving 1996. Branford firefighter Edward Ramos, 36, was killed.

Prosecutors claim Bontatibus set fire to his business to collect the insurance money. The defense maintains the fire was accidental.

Putting a person on trial for a third time is unusual, but not unprecedented. State's Attorney Michael Dearington and Ramos' family said Monday they hope a third trial will resolve the case.

''We really want to find justice in this,'' said Gary Ramos, the brother of Edward Ramos.

The prospect of a third trial has been hard on Bontatibus, who suffered chest pains in April after the prosecution said it would try him again, said his lawyer, Thomas Ullmann.

''I think the overwhelming stress of anticipating yet a third trial is very difficult for both Mr. Bontatibus and his family to have to endure,'' Ullmann said.