Leighton Vanderberg, 22, of New Haven, was arrested Wednesday and charged with felony murder in the death of Jose Salgado. The 57-year-old owner of Sapiao's Grocery, 351 Lexington Ave., was shot to death at about 3 p.m. Saturday, police said.
During police questioning Tuesday, Vanderberg acknowledged a role in the robbery attempt and killing, police said.
But outside the courthouse, both his sister and wife said he is not responsible for the crime, NBC Connecticut reported.
“My husband, Leighton Vanderberg, is completely innocent. And justice will show that,” said Vanderberg's wife, Jyne Vanderberg, according to NBC.
Bridgeport police continue to search for a second suspect, Treizy Lopez, 18, also of New Haven. He is not in custody and is believed to be in the New Haven area, police said.
Assistant Police Chief James Nardozzi asked anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact police.
“To Mr. Lopez. I have something to say to him: Do yourself a favor if you are watching this and turn yourself in to police. We’re going to find you. We’re not going to give up. We’re going to find where you are and you’re going to be brought to justice,” Nardozzi said.
Salgado was fatally shot at his grocery store while working with his wife when two robbers entered, police said.
Read the full story here at the NBC Connecticut website.
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