Court hearing in South Windsor standoff

Hartford (WTNH) - A man accused of holding his estranged wife hostage and then torching his South Windsor home appeared before a judge today.

Richard Shenkman, 60, did not enter a plea. He faces a slew of charges following last week's police standoff including kidnapping, arson and criminal attempt to commit murder.

Shenkman's lawyer did not raise any objections to his client's bail, set last week at $12.5 million.

Donning an orange prison-issued jumpsuit, looking unshaven and unkempt, Shenkman's prescriptions, including Adderall and two anti-depressants, were discussed in court. Hugh Keefe argued that his client be allowed access to his prescriptions, saying it is hindering his job as his defense attorney.

"He's very difficult to talk to, very difficult to communicate with, legally," Keefe told the judge.

Shenkman's suicide watch was also lifted.

He's due back in court July 22.