State Supreme Court to Review Bond Revocation for Norwich Murder Convict

Attorneys argue court has discretion on bond, while prosecutors say state law prohibits it after murder conviction.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The state Supreme Court will review the decision to revoke bond for Atlantik Balidemaj, a 25-year-old Norwich man convicted of murder in the 2022 shooting death of a 30-year-old woman. Balidemaj's defense attorneys argue the court has discretion on bond, while prosecutors say state law prohibits it after a murder conviction.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex legal issues around bail and bond for defendants convicted of serious crimes like murder. The outcome could set an important precedent on the limits of judicial discretion versus mandatory sentencing laws.

The details

Balidemaj was found guilty by a jury of murder and illegal firearm discharge in the November 2022 shooting death of Jashira Pagan in Norwich. Prior to the conviction, Balidemaj had been free on a $5 million bond, but that was revoked after the guilty verdict. His defense attorneys are arguing the court has discretion on bond, while prosecutors say state law prohibits bond after a murder conviction.

  • Balidemaj was convicted by a jury on January 29, 2026.
  • The trial court revoked Balidemaj's bond in a written decision in February 2026.
  • Balidemaj's attorneys filed an appeal on the bond revocation on February 9, 2026.
  • State prosecutors filed an opposition brief on February 19, 2026.
  • Balidemaj is scheduled to be sentenced on May 20, 2026.

The players

Atlantik Balidemaj

A 25-year-old Norwich man convicted of murder in the 2022 shooting death of a 30-year-old woman.

Norm Pattis

One of the defense attorneys representing Balidemaj.

William T. Koch Jr.

One of the defense attorneys representing Balidemaj.

Thomas DeLillo

The assistant state's attorney who successfully argued to revoke Balidemaj's bond after his conviction.

Elizabeth Leaming

The New London Superior Court judge who issued the written decision revoking Balidemaj's bond.

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What they’re saying

“A trial court is not obligated to release a defendant following a conviction and while awaiting sentencing.”

— Timothy Costello, Supervisory Assistant State's Attorney (Opposition Brief)

“The issue is far from moot or academic.”

— Norm Pattis, Defense Attorney (Motion for Review)

What’s next

The state Supreme Court will rule on the appeal of the bond revocation, which could set an important precedent on the limits of judicial discretion versus mandatory sentencing laws for murder convictions.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal issues around bail and bond, especially for defendants convicted of serious crimes. The outcome of the Supreme Court's review could have significant implications for how courts handle bond decisions after murder convictions.