Peter Manfredonia, in an image sent by state police.
DERBY — This story was updated Monday morning and is available here.
State police are using a drone and a helicopter in a search for a murder suspect who may in the area of Osbornedale State Park, police confirmed Saturday morning.
Peter Manfredonia, 23, is a suspect in a killing that happened Friday (May 22) in Willington. Manfredonia is originally from the Sandy Hook section of Newtown.
At 9:17 a.m., Seymour police posted that the suspect may have been spotted on Tomlinson Road, which is off Route 34.
At 10:38 a.m. the state sent the following email about the search:
The Connecticut State Police are currently searching for Peter Manfredonia in the Osbornedale State Park in the town of Derby.
Manfredonia is wanted for homicide and serious assault which occurred in the town of Willington.
Manfredonia is 23 years old, White Male with Black Deshoveled hair, wearing Gray T shirt and Gray sweat pants carrying unknown type bag with food rations and is believed to be armed with numerous weapons.
If you see this suspect do not attempt to approach him and call 911 immediately.
Police early Saturday found a vehicle near the intersection of Hawthorne Avenue and Cullens Hill Road in Derby that may have belonged to one of the victims from an earlier crime.
Police found the vehicle at 6:45 a.m., though they do not know how long the vehicle had been there. Sandy Hook is about 11 miles away from where the vehicle was found.
The area is heavily wooded, and includes the 350-acre Osbornedale State Park.
“Out of an abundance of caution, residents will see a heavy police presence of local police officers and Connecticut State Police troopers along with aerial reconnaissance while they search for the suspect and look for evidence,” Derby police said in a Facebook post Saturday morning.
“Residents are asked to remain vigilant as this suspect is considered armed and highly dangerous. Report all suspicions activity to the Derby Police Department at (203) 735‑7811 or, if an emergency, dial 911,” police said.
The wanted flyer from state police is available here.
The suspect is described as wearing dark clothing and is considered armed and dangerous.
Manfredonia is wanted for questioning in the death of Ted DeMers, 62, and the assault of a second person. DeMers was killed with some type of “edged weapon,” according to state police.
This story will be updated if more information becomes available.
Cullens Hill Road is a narrow road that connects Route 34 to Hawthorne Avenue near Osbornedale State Park in west Derby. It is close to Derby’s border with Seymour.
