Crime & Safety
Manfredonia Gets Another 55-Year Prison Term For Willington Homicide
His sentence for the May 2020 killing of Theodore DeMers will be served concurrently with a similar term for a homicide committed in Derby.
VERNON, CT — Convicted double murderer Peter Manfredonia received his second 55-year prison term within 24 hours Thursday, after being sentenced for the May 2020 killing of a Willington resident.
Judge Kathleen E. McNamara sentenced Manfredonia, 26, in Rockville Superior Court. In February, he pleaded guilty to charges of murder, first-degree assault and home invasion in connection with the May 22, 2020 death of Theodore DeMers, 62, the serious wounding of an elderly friend of DeMers and a home invasion in which Manfredonia held a homeowner hostage for about 24 hours, according to Matthew C. Gedansky, Tolland State’s Attorney.
McNamara sentenced Manfredonia to 55 years in prison on the murder charge, 20 years on the assault charge and 25 years on the home invasion charge. All sentences will run concurrently for a total effective sentence of 55 years to serve, Gedansky said.
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During Thursday's sentencing hearing, family and friends of DeMers addressed the court about the tremendous impact his loss has had on those who loved him. John Franco, who was seriously wounded in the attack, and Donald Hipsky, who was held hostage before Manfredonia stole his truck and fled the state, also addressed the court about what impact the crimes have had on their lives, Gedansky said.
"We would like to acknowledge the strength of character of the victims and Mr. DeMers’ family members for taking active roles in the resolution of this case," Gedansky said.
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Before Manfredonia fled Connecticut, he murdered Nicholas Eisele, 23, and kidnapped Eisele’s girlfriend, Shannon Spies, in Derby on May 24, 2020. Spies was found unharmed at a New Jersey rest stop, and local, state and federal authorities arrested Manfredonia in Maryland after a six-day manhunt, Gedansky said.
"If not for the extraordinary efforts of the Connecticut State Police, the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, and law enforcement officers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland, the defendant’s crime spree may have continued on," Gedansky said.
On Wednesday, Manfredonia was sentenced in Milford Superior Court to 55 years in prison for those crimes. The sentences will be served concurrently.
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