Multi-state manhunt ongoing for UConn senior accused of killing two, abducting one

A multistate 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 the prime suspect in the killing of Ted DeMers, 62, and Nicholas Eisele, 23, in Connecticut before forcing Eisele’s girlfriend into her car and fleeing the state with her.

Manfredonia is suspected of killing DeMers, possibly with a sword or machete, in Willington, Connecticut, 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.

Manfredonia was last spotted in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, police said. Connecticut authorities said he is armed and dangerous and should not be approached.

According to a Pennsylvania State Police release, Manfredonia was dropped off in front of an East Stroudsburg Walmart by an Uber driver. Through interviews with the driver and security footage, police were able to determine that Manfredonia walked along the train tracks behind Walmart, and that he was still in possession of the duffel bag containing firearms.

Pennsylvania police noted he may attempt to solicit a ride sharing service, possibly through a third party, in order to flee the area.

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

The FBI is assisting Connecticut authorities in their investigation into the killings. Police have not suggested a motive.

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.”

“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.”

Contributing: Brian Myszkowski, Pocono Record; Norwich Bulletin.

Follow reporter Anthony Zurita on Twitter: @AnthonyRZurita

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This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Peter Manfredonia: Manhunt for Connecticut homicide suspect ongoing