MILFORD, Conn. — The former University of Connecticut student accused of killing two people, assaulting a man and kidnapping a woman pleaded guilty in a Milford courtroom on Thursday.
26-year-old Peter Manfredonia, of Newtown, lead police on a multi-state chase nearly three years ago and was ultimately captured in Maryland.
Last week, Manfredonia plead guilty to Murder, Assault in the First Degree, and Home Invasion. Those charged are in connection to the May 22 fatal sword attack of 62-year-old Theodore DeMers, and the wounding of another Willington man. Prosecutors say Manfredonia also held a man captive for 24 hours before stealing his truck, cash, firearms and ammunition. Then, he headed to Derby on May 24.
Manfredonia went to Roosevelt Dr. in Derby, where his childhood friend, Nick Eisele, lived at the time.
"At that time, he engaged in an argument and a scuffle with Nicholas, who yelled to Shannon to please call 911, it was Peter Manfredonia," said Margaret Kelley, Ansonia/Milford State’s Attorney.
"When Shannon begged the defendant to call for help, he replied, no, he's dead, I shot him in the head," Kelley said.
Manfredonia then kidnapped Eisele's girlfriend, forcing her to drive him to New Jersey, while he held his gun, and threatened her. A good Samaritan eventually helped her get back to Connecticut. Manfredonia was captured in Maryland on the 27th.
Eisele's girlfriend sat in the courtroom on Thursday, alongside her family and her attorney.
"It's a very difficult circumstance. She's a very brave young lady very brave," said Gene Riccio, representing Eisele's girlfriend.
Michael Dolan, Manfredonia's lawyer, said a lot went into the decision made in court on Thursday.
"Peter and I explored various defenses and this was Peter's choice on how to resolve the case," Dolan said.
When asked if Manfredonia was remorseful, Dolan said, "Absolutely."
He also said he was dealing with mental health issues at the time of the incident.
"There was a history of mental illness, he did seek some treatment before. As you might recall, this was occurring during the pandemic, it was very difficult for him to receive treatment... getting in-person treatment was difficult, therapists weren't taking on new clients at the beginning of the pandemic," Dolan said. "I like to think, before this pandemic, he would have gotten the treatment that was necessary and this all could have been avoided."
Manfredonia faces a total effective sentence of 55 years in prison when he is sentenced in Milford Superior Court on April 19, 2023.
Manfredonia faces a total effective sentence of 55 years in prison when he is sentenced in Rockville Superior Court on April 20, 2023
The two prison sentences are to run concurrently.
Julia LeBlanc is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jleblanc@fox61.com Follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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