UPDATE: The wife of one of the victims shared new details on the suspect. Latest on the search HERE
An armed and dangerous suspect accused of killing two men in Connecticut, injuring another man and stealing vehicles and weapons was last spotted in Pennsylvania, investigators said.
Connecticut troopers said Peter Manfredonia, suspected in a deadly assault in Willington on Friday and a homicide in Derby on Sunday morning, is believed to be armed with several weapons stolen during a home invasion. A car Manfredonia is suspected of stealing from the Derby victim was found in New Jersey at the Pennsylvania border Sunday afternoon, police said.
Police said Manfredonia is suspected of killing 62-year-old Ted DeMers and assaulting another man in Willington. DeMers’ wife, Cynthia DeMers, tells the Hartford Courant that the two men had been attacked after they found Manfredonia walking along a road and offered him a ride back to his motorcycle.
“It could have been anybody who offered him a ride,” she said. “It could have been any of my neighbors’ husbands. It just happened to be mine.”
DeMers was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The other man suffered severe injuries described as sword or machete wounds, state police said.
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Connecticut Trooper Christine Jeltema said police were called to a home in Willington early Sunday morning. A man reported he had been held against his will by Manfredonia, who then left with food, several guns and the man's truck, which was found abandoned at 6:45 a.m. near Osbornedale State Park.
Police investigators then went to the nearby home of an acquaintance of Manfredonia and found him dead. He was identified Sunday afternoon as 23-year-old Nicholas Eisele.
Police believe Manfredonia then stole a 2016 black Volkswagen Jetta with the Connecticut license plate AU 78524. The Jetta was later found abandoned in New Jersey. Investigators believe Manfredonia then used a different form of transportation to travel to East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
During a Monday evening press conference, 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.
"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 is a 2015 graduate of Newtown High School and a senior at the University of Connecticut majoring in finance and mechanical engineering, the Connecticut Post reported. Police describe him as a 6-foot-3 man who should be considered armed and dangerous.
He was last seen wearing dark-colored shorts a white t-shirt and carrying a large duffel bag.
If you spot Manfredonia, do not approach him but call 911 immediately. Anyone with information on his location should call Eastern District Major Crime – Troop C at (860) 896-3200.
