Two men charged in death of Patriots fan at Gillette Stadium
Two men have been charged in connection with the death of a football fan at a New England Patriots game back in September. John Vieira and Justin Mitchell, both from Rhode Island, face charges of assault and battery and disorderly conduct related to an altercation that allegedly led to the death of Dale Mooney, a New Hampshire man. The incident occurred at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
According to witness Joseph Kilmartin, Mooney got into a physical confrontation with Vieira and Mitchell. Mooney collapsed after receiving a punch to the head and emergency medical technicians were unable to resuscitate him. Kilmartin described the scene as heartbreaking, stating, They started tussling around for a few minutes. At one point, another fan walked over. He punched him…and the man just went out. It was pretty hard to watch.
The preliminary autopsy results did not indicate traumatic injury as the cause of death. The Norfolk District Attorney’s office determined that Mooney’s death was due to probable cardiac dysrhythmia in a person with severe hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease during a physical altercation.
While the autopsy revealed the cause of death, the criminal charges against Vieira and Mitchell specifically allege that they assaulted and beat Mooney during the game. The manner of Mooney’s death has been classified as a homicide.
After reviewing the autopsy findings and video footage of the incident, the District Attorney’s office concluded that there wasn’t enough evidence to pursue homicide charges. In a statement, they said, The review of the available evidence, including the autopsy results and multiple angles of video capturing the incident, did not determine that the evidence established a basis for criminal prosecution of charges related to homicide in Mr. Mooney’s death.
Vieira is set to be arraigned on January 19, while Mitchell is scheduled for January 26. The legal proceedings will shed more light on the events leading to Mooney’s tragic death.
Mooney’s wife, Lisa, spoke to Boston 25 News, emphasizing her husband’s passion for the Patriots. She revealed that he had been a lifelong fan and a season-ticket holder for 30 years. Describing him as a good dad to their two adult sons, she mourned his untimely demise.
As the investigation and legal proceedings continue, the Mooney family seeks justice for Dale’s death. The courtroom will ultimately determine whether Vieira and Mitchell are responsible for their devastating loss.
