The family of 23-year-old Peter Manfredonia is urging him to surrender after being suspected of killing two people in Connecticut.
The family of 23-year-old Peter Manfredonia is urging him to surrender after being suspected of killing two people in Connecticut.
Michael Dolan, the lawyer representing Manfredonia's parents, urged him to turn himself into police because "it is time to let the healing process begin."
Dolan said that Manfredonia will continue to have the love and support of his family. He addressed Manfredonia directly in the press conference held Monday night.
"From your parents... 'We love you. It's time to turn yourself in,'" Dolan said.
The family lawyer said Manfredonia has struggled with mental health issues over the past few years. He has sought the help of family and therapists, Dolan said.
Manfredonia's parents have not had any contact with him, according to Dolan.
Manfredonia graduated from Newtown High School with high honors and he was an athlete, according to Dolan. Manfredonia was accepted into the Honor's Program at the University of Connecticut.
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Multi-State Manhunt Underway
A multi-state manhunt is underway for a Manfredonia who is suspected in homicides in Willington and Derby, a home invasion in Willington and an abduction from Derby.
Connecticut State Police said Manfredonia is considered armed and dangerous, and the search for him has extended into New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania State Police said Manfredonia was seen in the Poconos Sunday and he was carrying in a large duffel bag.
One Dead, One Injured in Attack in Willington
Manfredonia is suspected of attacking two men on Mirtl Road in Willington on Friday morning.
Police responded to the scene just after 9 a.m. and found two injured men.
One victim, 62-year-old Theodore Demers, died from his injuries, state police said. They have not identified the other victim.
It appears Manfredonia and the victims did not know each other and the motive for the attack is not clear.
Home Invasion in Willington
On Sunday, Manfredonia committed a home invasion and pistols and long guns were stolen, state police said.
The homeowner was not injured and refused medical treatment, according to state police.
Manfredonia is accused of stealing the homeowner’s vehicle and police said he drove to Derby, where police found the stolen vehicle abandoned in the area of Osborndale State Park.
Acquaintance Found Dead in Derby
During the search for him, police checked a home on Roosevelt Drive in Derby after learning of an acquaintance of Manfredonia and they found 23-year-old Nicholas Eisele dead.
It's not clear how the two men knew each other.
State police said it appears Manfredonia is responsible for the man's death.
The office of the chief medical examiner will conduct an autopsy and determine the cause and manner of Eisele’s death.
Person Abducted From Derby Home
Derby Police has determined that Eisele's girlfriend might have been in the house on Roosevelt Drive and they were trying to find her and were drafting a Silver Alert when authorities in Patterson, New Jersey notified them that they had found her.
Eisele’s girlfriend and her 2016 black Volkswagen Jetta were located by the New Jersey State Police at a rest stop. She is physically unharmed despite being taken from the Roosevelt Drive residence against her will, according to Derby Police.
She was brought back to Connecticut and identified the captor as Peter Manfredonia, state police said.
State Police are in contact with the FBI in Pennsylvania, who are actively searching for the suspect.
Vehicle Found in New Jersey
State police said a 2016 black Volkswagen Jetta with Connecticut registration AU 78524 was taken from the scene in Derby and it was found in New Jersey, near the Pennsylvania border.
New Jersey State Police said the vehicle was found on Interstate 80 in Knowlton Township, Warren County.
Troopers said there is a bumper sticker on the driver's side of the vehicle that says "Sandy Hook Tribute Victim #26."
Suspect Seen in Pennsylvania
Manfredonia was last seen Sunday afternoon in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania State Police released a photo of him from Sunday afternoon. He was wearing dark shorts and a white T-shirt and he was carrying a duffel bag.
Suspect Studied at UConn
He is a senior at the University of Connecticut, where he studies in the joint School of Engineering/School of Business Management and Engineering for Management program, UConn spokesperson Stephanie Reitz said.
He first enrolled at UConn in fall 2015 and he was not living on the UConn campus at the time of the incident in Willington or during recent semesters, Reitz said.
The university said it is in contact with Connecticut State Police and they are providing assistance and information that may assist with their investigation.
Connecticut State Police said they are investigating all of the various possible leads and they are “working aggressively to bring this individual to justice."
It's unclear if Manfredonia is alone.
Anyone With Information Asked to Call State Police
Anyone who sees him is urged not to approach him and to call 911 immediately
