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.”
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
ColumnistsMay 15, 2024
Squirrel Spotting: Why Retailers Struggle to Fire BrandsWhy do so many jewelers keep lines that are not selling? Peter Smith thinks the answer lies in these two behavioral principles.
AuctionsMay 15, 2024
Red Diamond Breaks Records at Phillips GenevaThe “Argyle Phoenix” sold for more than $4 million at the auction house’s second jewels sale.
Events & AwardsMay 15, 2024
See Who’s in JA’s 2024 ‘20 Under 40’ ClassThe annual list recognizes young professionals making an impact in jewelry retail.
Brought to you by
Record Gold Prices Have Consumers Undeterred. Here’s Why.Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
IndependentsMay 15, 2024
David Mann Jewelers in Upstate NY to Close After 35 YearsOwner David Mann is heading into retirement.
Weekly QuizMay 09, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
FinancialsMay 15, 2024
Brilliant Earth’s Sales Fall Flat in Q1 While overall sales were sluggish, the retailer said its non-bridal fine jewelry was a popular choice for Valentine’s Day.
SourcingMay 14, 2024
Anglo American Confirms It Is Looking to Sell De Beers The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a TradeshowTradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
AuctionsMay 14, 2024
2 Huge Yellow Diamonds Are Heading to AuctionChristie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
MajorsMay 14, 2024
Platinum Born Taps ‘Born Leaders’ for New CampaignThe ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
GradingMay 14, 2024
Instappraise Adds Trifold Brochure to Appraisal OfferingsRetailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
Lab-GrownMay 13, 2024
Lab-Grown Diamond Brand Lightbox Cuts Prices by 25 to 40%The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
TechnologyMay 13, 2024
Christie’s Website Brought Down by Hackers, Watch Auction Postponed The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
AuctionsMay 13, 2024
Madeleine Albright’s Jewelry, Pins a White-Glove Sale at Freeman’s | HindmanThe late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
IndependentsMay 13, 2024
Zachary’s Jewelers Names Mother’s Day Jewelry Contest WinnersThree fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
IndependentsMay 10, 2024
Frank Adams Jewelers Names New CEOKimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
CollectionsMay 10, 2024
Piece of the Week: Carina Hardy’s ‘Birth of Venus’ NecklaceAs a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
MajorsMay 09, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Pays $130M for Roberto Coin Inc.The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
TrendsMay 09, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Shine Bright, Moms Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
IndependentsMay 09, 2024
Kyle Edward Fine Jewelry to Close Salisbury StoreThe company’s Easton location will remain open.
MajorsMay 09, 2024
JBT Elects New ChairmanBrian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2024
Fusing Past and Present at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
EditorsMay 07, 2024
Q&A: Author Vikki Tobak on the ‘Ice-Cold’ ExhibitionTobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.
EditorsMay 07, 2024
10 On-Theme Looks from the 2024 Met GalaStars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.
IndependentsMay 07, 2024
112-Year-Old New Orleans Business Popping Up in Aspen M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
MajorsMay 07, 2024
Richemont Acquires Italian Jeweler VhernierThe branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up CoutureThe six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
