Former Univeristy of Connecticut Student Pleads Guilty to Deadly Samurai Attacks
Peter Manfredonia, 26, pleaded guilty to murder and other charges on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. CBS News reports the former University of Connecticut student was charged with killing a man and severely wounding another with a Samurai sword in 2020.
On May 22, 2020, Manfredonia killed Ted DeMers, 62, and seriously injured an 80-year-old man with a Samurai sword. The man lost several fingers and part of his ear. According to US News, Manfredonia broke into another man’s home after the sword attack and held him hostage for about 24 hours before taking off with his truck and firearms. Two days later it is reported that he went to the Derby home of a high school friend, Nicholas Eisele, 23, and fatally shot him. He then forced Eisele’s girlfriend into her car and fled the state, according to CBS News.
These attacks led to a six-day manhunt in several states. Manfredonia was eventually captured in Maryland and arrested without incident.
Manfredonia agreed to a 55-year prison sentence during a hearing at Rockville Superior Court. His lawyer, Michael Dolan, said he will plead guilty to the second incident on Feb, 16 and will receive another 55-year sentence. According to US News, the second sentence will run concurrently with the first sentence.
