Homicide Suspect Urged To Surrender, GoFundMe Set Up To Help Victim’s Funeral Costs

An image from the GoFundMe page set up to help cover funeral expenses for the family of Nick Eisele, who was found dead inside his apartment in Derby Sunday.

A lawyer addressing television cameras delivered a message Monday to double homicide suspect Peter Manfredonia from his family: 

Peter, if you are listening, you are loved. Your parents, your sisters, your entire family loves you. Nobody wants any harm to come to you. It is time to let the healing process begin. It’s time to surrender,” said Michael Dolan, a lawyer in Hamden speaking for Manfredonia’s family.

An extensive manhunt is underway for Manfredonia, 23. Police have not commented on what they think motivated Manfredonia to start committing crimes.

Click here for a story published on The Valley Indy Monday afternoon.

Manfredonia is a suspect in two killings — one Friday morning in Willington, and one Sunday morning inside an apartment at 404 Roosevelt Drive in Derby.

Manfredonia was last seen Sunday afternoon walking along railroad tracks in East Stroudsburg, PA. The FBI has joined the search and the case has received attention from the national media.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts or with information about the cases are asked to call Connecticut State Police Troop C at 860 – 896-3200 or the FBI at 1 – 800-CALL FBI (225‑5324).

Pennsylvania police said this photo of the suspect is from Sunday, May 24 and was taken in East Stroudsburg, PA, which is in Monroe County.

GoFundMe Set Up

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page has been created to cover the costs associated with the funeral of 23-year-old Nick Eisele, who was found dead inside his apartment at 404 Roosevelt Drive in Derby Sunday.

The medical examiner announced May 26 that Eisele died from a gunshot wound.

State police described Eisele as an acquaintance of Manfredonia, in that they were both from the Sandy Hook section of Newtown.

The GoFundMe, set up by Shannon Will of Sandy Hook, had raised $12,000 in four hours Monday.

The GoFundMe description states Eisele was a 2016 graduate of Newtown High School, and worked with his father, who owns a landscaping-irrigation company. 

In addition to his father, the young man is survived by his mother Michele Eisele; his twin brother Michael; and two sisters, Jessica and Gianna.

Please click here to read the GoFundMe page.

History Of Mental Health Issues

Manfredonia is also wanted in connection to the killing of 62-year-old Ted DeMers of Willington. State police are expected to hold a press conference Tuesday to shed more light on that aspect of the case.

The Willington killing happened Friday morning. Manfredonia is then suspected of forcing his way into a house in Willington Sunday where he allegedly stole weapons before traveling to Derby. 

Click here for a review of what transpired Sunday.

At 6 p.m. Monday, Dolan, speaking on behalf of Manfredonia’s family, gave some info on the suspect’s background.

Manfredonia is a graduate of Newtown High School and was in the honors program at UConn, where he was studying finance and engineering.

You won’t be surprised to hear that Peter has struggled with mental health issue over the past several years,” Dolan said. He sought the help of a number of therapists and he’s had the support of his parents and loves ones to help him through those struggles.”

Dolan said Manfredonia has not been in contact with his family, but said it is important for Manfredonia to know that they support him, and that they want him to turn himself in.