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
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
Weekly QuizMay 28, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design AwardsThe show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport TradeThe revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
MajorsMay 28, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Buy The Clear Cut Signet will integrate the online-only, natural diamond-focused jeweler into Blue Nile, which it wants to position as a higher-end retailer.
CollectionsMay 28, 2026
Meet The 17 Newcomers to Couture’s Design AtelierThese up-and-coming jewelry brands are bringing their distinct aesthetic and unique point-of-view to the Design Atelier for the first time.
GradingMay 28, 2026
GCAL By Sarine Launches 8X Cushion CutThe lab’s proprietary diamond cut grade has been expanded to include the popular fancy shape.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.
ColumnistsMay 27, 2026
What Jewelers Can Learn From Luxury Fashion’s Digital PlaybookHigh-end fashion houses know how to emotionally connect with customers online. Retail jewelers should take note, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry DesignersThe designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.
ColumnistsMay 26, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas ScheduleThe trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas ShowThe Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is ComingBring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York ShowThe deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ CollectionThe “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.
