Manhunt ongoing for double homicide suspect who has been spotted in NJ, PA

Anthony Zurita
NorthJersey.com

A multi-state manhunt is underway for a Connecticut man accused of killing two people and abducting another, authorities said.

Peter Manfredonia, a University of Connecticut senior, is suspected of killing Ted DeMers, 62, and Nicholas Eisele, 23, in Connecticut before forcing Eisele’s girlfriend into her car and fleeing the state with her, police said.

"We know this is not who you are. We are here to listen to you. We want to hear your side of things. Your parents and friends all want a peaceful resolution to this," said Lt. John Aiello of the Connecticut state police at a news conference on Tuesday, addressing Manfredonia directly in an attempt to get him to surrender.

Mike Dolan, a lawyer for Manfredonia’s family, said Manfredonia has struggled with mental health issues and has “sought the help of a number of therapists.”

Police say Manfredonia killed DeMers, possibly with a sword or machete, in Willington on Friday after DeMers found Manfredonia walking along a road and offered him a ride back to his motorcycle.

Eisele was found dead at his home Sunday in Derby, which is about 60 miles southwest of Willington and just west of New Haven. Connecticut State police described him as an "acquaintance" of Manfredonia’s.

Earlier on Sunday, a Willington man reported being held against his will by Manfredonia, who then left with food, several guns and the man’s truck, which was later found abandoned near a state park about a mile from Eisele’s home.

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Manfredonia was last spotted in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, after he took an Uber ride to a Walmart, the Pennslyania State Police said. He was seen on surveillance footage walking behind the Walmart carrying what police believe is a duffle bag full of guns stolen from the Willington man.

Connecticut authorities said that he is armed and dangerous and should not be approached if seen.

Eisele's girlfriend, who has not been identified, was found safe at a rest stop in Paterson, police said, along with her car that authorities had told the public to be on the lookout for.

The FBI is assisting Connecticut authorities in their investigation into the killings, where no motive has been announced by police. 

“Peter, if you are listening, you are loved,” Dolan said at a news conference Monday. "So, Peter, from your parents, we love you, please turn yourself in.”

This article contains reporting from the Norwich Bulletin, a Gannett publication.

Staff writer Nicholas Katzban contributed to the article.

Anthony Zurita is a breaking news reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to all the major news happening in North Jersey, subscribe here. To get breaking news directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.

Email: zuritaa@northjersey.com Twitter: @AnthonyRZurita