Groton man arraigned in girlfriend's murder

A Groton man accused of murdering his girlfriend and then discarding her body in a freezer was arraigned today at G.A. 10 in New London.

During the brief court hearing, Luis F. Otero, 49, was wearing blue jeans and a black shirt that accentuated his muscular build.

He stood silent.

A bail commissioner said that Otero's last conviction was in 1995 for third-degree assault and unlawful restraint. He was sentenced to four years in prison, suspended after one year served followed by three years probation.

In that case, Otero was found guilty of beating up his girlfriend and binding her with masking tape when she tried to break off their relationship.

Details of Sunday's murder were unavailable as the warrant was sealed for 14 days.

Prosecutor Michael Kennedy requested that the bond remain at $2 million because the state has a "strong case" against Otero.

Public Defender Shawn Tiernan requested that bond be set at $100,000 because Otero has ties in the community.

Tiernan noted that Otero has retained private counsel and has been told not to speak to anyone.

Information on who is representing Otero was not available because an appearance form was not in his file.

Judge Kevin P. McMahon sided with the prosecution and kept the bond at $2 million.

"Without prejudicing the case it doesn't get much stronger than this," said McMahon.

About 10:20 Sunday night, a man, believed to be Otero, came in to the Groton City Police Department lobby and reported an "unusual incident" in the Town of Groton. The city dispatcher and shift commander gave the information to town police and detained the man until town officers arrived.

Groton town police searched 1184 Gold Star Highway and found the body in the freezer.

Madeline Brisson rents the house on Gold Star Highway, but police would not say if she is the victim.

The Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner said an autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday for Brisson.

Brisson's landlord grew suspicious after they were not able to make contact with her for a few days. She was behind on her rent.

Her dog, a chocolate Labrador, was also seen running in her yard, which was rare because the dog was always with her. The dog is safe and with the Groton Town police.

Otero's case was transferred to Part A in New London, where the most serious cases are heard, for March 24.