Husband Pleads Not Guilty in Shooting Death of Wife

The husband accused of shooting his wife to death in December has pleaded not guilty to first-degree manslaughter with a firearm and disorderly conduct, according to the Danbury News Times.

Robert Bell, 63, entered his not guilty plea in court on Monday. Bell is accused of shooting his wife, Svetlana, who was a music teacher at Cider Mill School since 2006. 

Bell told police during a 911 call that his wife, who was 47 at the time of her death, came at him with a knife during an argument on Dec. 8. He claimed he shot her in self defense.

When police arrived at the couple's New Fairfield residence, they found a .38-caliber pistol in a holster on a chair and a magazine in Bell's pocket.

At his arraignment in December, Superior Court Judge John Blawie prohibited Bell from having any contact with his daughter. 

Bell remains in custody on $75,000 bond. He is due in Danbury Superior Court Feb. 8.

ADDITIONAL COVERAGE

• VIDEO: Robert Bell Arraigned in Fatal New Fairfield Shooting
• Beyond the Headlines: Wilton Parents Struggle with News of a Teacher's Death
• Principal: Counseling Available to Students Following Teacher's Death
• Reports: Wilton Music Teacher Fatally Shot by Husband in New Fairfield
• Details Emerge in Svetlana Bell Shooting
• Richards: Schools 'Deeply Saddened' By Loss