Conn. State Police Issue Plea to UConn Student Suspected in 2 Killings, Abduction to Turn Himself In

The search for 23-year-old Peter Manfredonia, who is considered armed and dangerous, is ongoing in several states after he was spotted over the weekend in Pennsylvania

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Connecticut State Police are expected to give an update on the multi-state search for a University of Connecticut student who allegedly broke into a house, abducted a person, and killed two people over the weekend.

The search for 23-year-old Peter Manfredonia, who is considered armed and dangerous, is ongoing in several states after he was seen in Pennsylvania on Sunday.

The update from Connecticut State Police is expected sometime Tuesday afternoon.

Family of Suspect Urges Him to Surrender

On Monday night, Manfredonia's family urged him to surrender.

Michael Dolan, the lawyer representing Manfredonia's parents, asked him to turn himself into police because "it is time to let the healing process begin."

Dolan said Manfredonia will continue to have the love and support of his family. He addressed Manfredonia directly in the press conference held Monday night.

An attorney for the parents of Peter Manfredonia urged him to surrender on Monday. Manfredonia, a UConn student, is accused of killings in Willington and Derby.

"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 graduated from Newtown High School with high honors, and he was an athlete, according to Dolan. Manfredonia was accepted into the Honor's Program at the University of Connecticut.

Multi-State Manhunt Underway

The search for Manfredonia became a multi-state manhunt Sunday after he was spotted in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania State Police said Manfredonia was seen carrying a large duffle bag in the Poconos Sunday.

One Dead, One Injured in Attack in Willington

Manfredonia is suspected of attacking two men on Mirtl Road in Willington on Friday morning.

Police responded to the scene just after 9 a.m. and found two injured men.

One victim, 62-year-old Theodore Demers, died from his injuries, state police said. They have not identified the other victim.

It appears Manfredonia and the victims did not know each other and the motive for the attack is not clear.

Home Invasion in Willington

On Sunday, Manfredonia broke into a Willington home and stole pistols and long guns, state police said.

The homeowner was not injured and refused medical treatment, according to state police.

Manfredonia is accused of stealing the homeowner’s vehicle. Police said he used it to drive to Derby, where police found the stolen vehicle abandoned in the area of Osborndale State Park.

Acquaintance Found Dead in Derby

During their search for Manfredonia, police checked a home on Roosevelt Drive in Derby after learning an acquaintance of his lived there. They found 23-year-old Nicholas Eisele dead.

It's not clear how the two men knew each other.

State police said it appears Manfredonia is responsible for the man's death.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy and determine the cause and manner of Eisele’s death.

Person Abducted From Derby Home

Upon arriving at the Roosevelt Drive house, Derby Police determined that Eisele's girlfriend was missing from the house.

Officers said they were drafting a Silver Alert when authorities in Patterson, New Jersey, notified them that they had found her.

The manhunt continues for a UConn student suspected in homicides in Willington and Derby, as well a home invasion, is also suspected in an abduction from Derby.

Eisele’s girlfriend and her 2016 black Volkswagen Jetta were located by the New Jersey State Police at a rest stop. She was unharmed despite being taken from the Roosevelt Drive residence against her will, Derby Police said.

She was brought back to Connecticut and identified Manfredonia as her captor, state police said.

State Police are in contact with the FBI in Pennsylvania, who are actively searching for the suspect.

Vehicle Found in New Jersey

State police said a 2016 black Volkswagen Jetta with Connecticut registration AU 78524 was taken from the scene in Derby and it was found in New Jersey, near the Pennsylvania border.

New Jersey State Police said the vehicle was found on Interstate 80 in Knowlton Township, Warren County.

Troopers said there is a bumper sticker on the driver's side of the vehicle that says "Sandy Hook Tribute Victim #26."

Suspect Seen in Pennsylvania

Manfredonia was last seen Sunday afternoon in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania State Police released a photo of him from Sunday afternoon. He was wearing dark shorts and a white T-shirt and he was carrying a duffel bag.

Suspect Is Student at University of Connecticut

Manfredonia is a senior at the University of Connecticut, where he studies in the joint School of Engineering/School of Business Management and Engineering for Management program, UConn spokesperson Stephanie Reitz said.

He first enrolled at UConn in fall 2015 and he was not living on the UConn campus at the time of the incident in Willington or during recent semesters, Reitz said.

The university said it is in contact with Connecticut State Police and they are providing assistance and information that may assist with their investigation.

Connecticut State Police said they are investigating all of the various possible leads and they are "working aggressively to bring this individual to justice."

Anyone With Information Asked to Call State Police

Anyone who sees Manfredonia is urged not to approach him and to call 911 immediately.

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