Rosa's accused killer in court as family buries victim

Accused killer Evan Holmes made his first appearance in the New London courtroom where major crimes are heard this morning as family and friends of shooting victim Jorge “Loco” Rosa Jr. prepared to bury him at a nearby cemetery.

Holmes, 20, and Davion Smith, 18, are accused of breaking into Rosa’s apartment at 252 Montauk Ave. at about 4 a.m. on Nov. 12 and fatally shooting him in his bed. Holmes was arrested hours after the incident, while Smith remains at large.   

Holmes’ brief court appearance ended roughly when some of Rosa’s loved ones, who had crossed the street from the Byles Memorial Funeral Home to watch the proceeding, snarled, “You’re going to die in prison,” and “You’re going to rot there.” Holmes had been continuously scanning the courtroom, as if looking for somebody he recognized. Judicial marshals quelled the outburst.

Holmes’ case was continued to Dec. 5. Public Defender Bruce A. Sturman said Holmes qualifies for a court-appointed attorney and would be appointed one at his next appearance. He is being held in lieu of a $500,000 cash bond at the Corrigan-Radgowski Correctional Institution.

Judge Patrick J. Clifford granted the state’s motion to continue sealing the police documents that detail the case until Jan. 10. Prosecutor Paul J. Narducci had sought the continued sealing because the police investigation is continuing.