Man charged in Caribbean hotel worker’s death skips hearing

DARIEN, Conn. – A Connecticut man charged in the death of a hotel worker in Anguilla (ang-GWIL’-uh) has declined to return to the British Caribbean territory for the latest pretrial hearing.

A spokesman for Scott Hapgood says Anguillan officials have not given assurances that his client would be allowed to return home on bond.

Spokesman Jamie Diaferia says there also have been death threats against Hapgood.

Hapgood and his family say a hotel worker, Kenny Mitchel, showed up at their room unannounced during their April vacation, demanded money and attacked them.

Mitchel died, and Hapgood was charged with manslaughter.

Elected officials including U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal had expressed concern about Hapgood’s safety.

Diaferia says Anguilla officials rejected an offer for Hapgood to appear by video link for Monday’s hearing.