CrimeJun 26, 2020
3 Suspects Indicted in Fatal Robbery of CT Jewelry StoreCrimeMar 03, 2023
Man Who Pleaded Guilty in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced to 40 Years
The two other suspects involved in the killing of Mark Vuono, owner of Marco Jewelers in Connecticut, are awaiting sentencing.
Mark Vuono of Marco Jewelers in Stamford, Connecticut, was shot and killed in his jewelry store in March 2020. One of the men involved in the fatal armed robbery was sentenced to 40 years in prison. (Image courtesy of Marco Jewelers’ Facebook page)
Stamford, Conn.—One of the three men charged in connection with the murder of Marco Jewelers owner Mark Vuono has been sentenced.
Robert Rallo, 59, was sentenced to 40 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley, as per an announcement Wednesday by Vanessa Roberts Avery, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
Rallo, the man who shot and killed Vuono, had a criminal history spanning 40 years, with two prior murder convictions, according to the attorney’s office.
While the other two suspects in the case, 62-year-old Paul “Tony Pro” Prosano and Thomas Liberatore, 65, went to trial, Rallo pleaded guilty in April 2022 to interference with commerce by robbery, also known as a Hobbs Act robbery, and to interstate transportation of stolen property and using a firearm to cause a death during a robbery.
“This sentence will protect society from a dangerous individual who brutally killed a much loved and respected man and small business owner,” said Avery.
“I thank the FBI and the Stamford, Greenwich, Yonkers, New York and New Rochelle police departments for thoroughly investigating this crime and helping to bring these defendants to justice.”
In December 2022, Prosano and Liberatore were found guilty of interference with commerce by robbery and interstate transportation of stolen property.
Liberatore was also found guilty of aiding and abetting Rallo in a firearm-related murder.
Sentencing dates for Prosano and Liberatore, who remain in custody, have not been announced.
Related stories will be right here …
Robert Rallo, 59, was sentenced to 40 years in prison by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley, as per an announcement Wednesday by Vanessa Roberts Avery, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
Rallo, the man who shot and killed Vuono, had a criminal history spanning 40 years, with two prior murder convictions, according to the attorney’s office.
While the other two suspects in the case, 62-year-old Paul “Tony Pro” Prosano and Thomas Liberatore, 65, went to trial, Rallo pleaded guilty in April 2022 to interference with commerce by robbery, also known as a Hobbs Act robbery, and to interstate transportation of stolen property and using a firearm to cause a death during a robbery.
“This sentence will protect society from a dangerous individual who brutally killed a much loved and respected man and small business owner,” said Avery.
“I thank the FBI and the Stamford, Greenwich, Yonkers, New York and New Rochelle police departments for thoroughly investigating this crime and helping to bring these defendants to justice.”
In December 2022, Prosano and Liberatore were found guilty of interference with commerce by robbery and interstate transportation of stolen property.
Liberatore was also found guilty of aiding and abetting Rallo in a firearm-related murder.
Sentencing dates for Prosano and Liberatore, who remain in custody, have not been announced.
“We are very pleased to see these three career criminals held accountable for this senseless murder, and we want to commend the tireless, cutting-edge police work that led to this outcome,” said Assistant Chief Richard Conklin of the Stamford Police Department.
“While nothing we do can restore what the Vuono family has lost, we hope that this conviction and sentence can offer some solace.”
Mark Vuono of Marco Jewelers was remembered by his family as a kind man with a caring soul. (Image courtesy of Marco Jewelers’ Facebook page)
The fatal robbery took place on the afternoon of March 28, 2020. Stamford police officers responded to Marco Jewelers in Stamford, Connecticut, following a call from a customer.
Police and medical personnel arrived to find that Vuono had been shot and was lying on the ground in front of an open safe. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
After analyzing surveillance video, investigators determined Rallo and Liberatore were driven in a black Jaguar to Marco Jewelers and entered the store.
Rallo, armed with a handgun, got into a physical altercation with Vuono, who also had a firearm, while Liberatore stole items from the display cases.
Vuono and Rallo fought in front of the open safe for about three minutes, said investigators.
Rallo reached into the safe and retrieved a third gun, a .357 Magnum revolver, and shot and killed Vuono.
Law enforcement traced the black Jaguar to Staten Island, New York, and kept tabs on the car.
Two days after the robbery, on the night of March 30, investigators said Prosano pulled up beside the Jaguar in a black BMW X3. Rallo exited the BMW and got into the driver’s side of the black Jaguar.
Police followed as the two cars sped off, both later crashing with the two men attempting to flee on foot before being apprehended.
Investigators found 63 rings, eight bracelets, two tie pins, an earring, and a cufflink inside the BMW as well as 23 pairs of earrings and three rings in Prosano’s home, all of which were stolen from Marco Jewelers.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, Stamford Police Department, and Greenwich Police Department, with the assistance of the New York Police Department of Yonkers and New Rochelle.
In a Facebook post, Mark Vuono was remembered by loved ones as, “a hard-working, gentle, kind, and caring soul.”
More on Crime
The Latest
Events & AwardsOct 03, 2023
Gem Awards to Honor Susan Jacques The GIA president and CEO will receive the 2024 Gem Award for Lifetime Achievement.
SourcingOct 03, 2023
De Beers CFO Steps Down Sarah Kuijlaars is leaving the company and will be replaced internally by Head of Planning and Business Development Richard Lawson.
CollectionsOct 03, 2023
Pandora’s New Game of Thrones Collection Is Here Fans of the series can shop for direwolf charms, dragon earrings, and more.
Brought to you by
Top 5 Ways to Promote Safety and Security Awareness Among Your StaffAwareness is essential to proactive protection. Learn how to promote and maintain safety and security awareness in your business.
SourcingOct 03, 2023
2 Lucara Execs to Step Down in Wake of CEO Change Chief Financial Officer Zara Boldt and Vice President of Technical Services John Armstrong will leave the company later this year.
Weekly QuizSep 29, 2023
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge with this short test.
SourcingOct 02, 2023
De Beers, Botswana One Step Closer to Finalizing Agreement The two have signed “heads of terms” for the tentative 10-year sales agreement they reached in June.
IndependentsOct 02, 2023
There’s a New Piercing Studio on Long IslandAli Weiss Jewelry has opened its second store in Roslyn, New York.
Brought to you by
A Conversation with Dialog SolutionsDo you always want the right diamonds at the right price in your store? Introducing Dialog, the world’s first diamond subscription service.
Events & AwardsOct 02, 2023
WJA Foundation Awards First Helene Fortunoff Scholarship A New Hampshire store manager is the inaugural recipient of the grant for up-and-coming women in retail.
CollectionsOct 02, 2023
Lorraine West’s New Collection Points to the Power of WomenAvailable exclusively at Greenwich St. Jewelers, the “Nipple Collection” will benefit Living Beyond Breast Cancer.
Recorded WebinarsSep 29, 2023
The Lab-Grown Diamond Market: Where Are We Now?Watch as Edahn Golan, Sherry Smith and Avi Levy join Michelle Graff to talk pricing and trends in this controversial corner of the market.
SourcingSep 29, 2023
Lucara Severs Ties With HB Antwerp The two companies initially partnered during the pandemic and had just signed a 10-year sales agreement in November 2022.
CollectionsSep 29, 2023
Piece of the Week: Sonya K’s Versatile Necklace A classic diamond tennis necklace gets a whole lot cooler with a removable pendant.
EditorsSep 28, 2023
The Gemstone World Is In Its Unique Cut EraAssociate Editor Lauren McLemore recently spoke with Columbia Gem House’s Eric Braunwart about the uptick in non-traditional gemstone cuts.
MajorsSep 28, 2023
Signet-Owned Rocksbox Now Sells Pre-Owned Fine Jewelry“Pre-Owned Luxury by Rocksbox” offers secondhand jewelry from Kay, Zales, and Jared to members and non-members.
MajorsSep 28, 2023
The Kingswood Co. Names New VP, Wins AwardThe company was recognized for one of its private-label, consumer-focused jewelry care lines.
AuctionsSep 27, 2023
Antique Jewels Shine at Bonhams LondonA rare Chaumet necklace and 20th-century sapphire ring sold for double their estimates.
SourcingSep 27, 2023
India Calls for 2-Month Moratorium on Rough Diamond Imports The plea comes against a backdrop of declining demand and falling prices.
SurveysSep 27, 2023
Consumer Confidence Falls in September Amid Rising Recession Fears Shoppers also expressed concern about rising prices, higher interest rates, and political uncertainty.
Events & AwardsSep 27, 2023
PGI to Dole Out $500K in Business Grant Program Participants from the first round of grants saw up to a 900 percent increase in their platinum sales.
WatchesSep 26, 2023
Citizen Launches the Tsuki-Yomi A-T TimepieceAccording to the watchmaker, it features the first light-powered atomic timekeeping moon phase movement.
IndependentsSep 26, 2023
Sally Nelson, Founder of Exclusively Diamonds, Dies at 86The former teacher, described as “a pioneer for women-owned businesses,” opened her own jewelry store in 1980.
Events & AwardsSep 26, 2023
2023 Spectrum Awards Entry Deadline ExtendedThe contest is now open for submissions until Oct. 10.
Events & AwardsSep 26, 2023
Instore Announces Dates for 2024 Show The annual event will return to Rosemont, Illinois next August.
SurveysSep 26, 2023
Mastercard Makes Its 2023 Holiday PredictionAccording to SpendingPulse, retail sales will increase in November and December but not necessarily for jewelers.
CollectionsSep 25, 2023
Neil Lane’s Latest Collection Uses Lab-Grown Diamonds The designer just launched a new bridal range at Kay Jewelers.
MajorsSep 25, 2023
Hearts On Fire Taps Mejuri Exec as CCOYunjo Lee has also worked on collections for Tiffany & Co. with Paloma Picasso and Frank Gehry.
