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"We don't want anyone questioning him while he is in custody and on medication," the attorney told Judge Marylouise Black. "We are quite clear on that."
"I object to the order as a matter of principle," said Andrew Wittstein, of the state attorney's office.
The prosecutor argued that the defendant may have a change of heart and may want to discuss the case. Moraghan and Keefe represented Barnes for bond purposes only, he explained.
"Suppose Mr. Barnes, unrepresented, decides he wants to discuss the matter with someone, it would be inappropriate for the court to enter an order if he chooses to talk."
Judge Black ordered that Barnes is not to be questioned or interrogated by anyone at least until bond arguments are held in Litchfield.
Keefe and Moraghan expect to attend Barnes' next court date and their representation may continue past that appearance. "In all likelihood, we will be representing him," Keefe said after the arraignment on Wednesday. "We are still learning about the case."
The date for a probable cause hearing is also expected to be set at the next court date. This type of hearing is held before a judge to determine if there is enough evidence exists to proceed with a prosecution. David Shepack, the prosecutor who will be handling the case in Litchfield Superior Court explained, "The statute requires a probable cause hearing when there is a crime of this nature and an expectation of life in prison."
Barnes, a machinist for the Torrington Company for the last 27 years, is charged with murder and first-degree burglary, crimes with a minimum sentence of 25 years to a maximum of life in prison, or 60 years. Barnes is being held at the John Dempsey ward at the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington, a unit specifically designed to give medical care to inmates. He walked into court in stocking feet, without any assistance, wearing a hospital shirt and bandages wrapped around his neck. Barnes was born in Waterbury, but lived in Torrington for 56 years. He is a veteran and has a criminal record of several misdemeanors from the 1960's.
Keefe said he did not know when Barnes would be released from medical care.
Torrington police reportedly found Barnes after a short pursuit, in Paugnut State Forest where he abandoned his car and reportedly stabbed himself. He was treated at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital before being transferred to Hartford Hospital via LifeStar.
Barnes allegedly entered the victim's condominium at 1229 Winsted Road, Unit 88, at 3 a.m. on June 25, and shot 56-year-old Richard G. Gaioni six times in the head with a .22-caliber rifle. Linda Barnes, the defendant's wife, was reportedly sleeping beside Gaioni, and called 911. Court documents indicate Linda Barnes was seeking a divorce from Barnes.
Judge Black ordered Barnes to have no contact, including through a third person, with his wife. Keefe and Moraghan said that their client had no objection to the protective order.
When Judge Black announced her decision to maintain the bond at $1 million, as set by Torrington police, Joyce Cunningham's hand went to her mouth in shock. The Northfield woman who came to the court to support Barnes, a family friend, with Melissa Cunningham and Brandi Cunningham Bolieau, both of Torrington, wept as they left the courthouse. The women explained Barnes was a kind man and they were shocked by the incident.
