A lawyer for the family of a Connecticut murder suspect has pleaded for him to surrender as the multi-state search for the college student continues.
On Monday police had to dispel a rumour that Peter Manfredonia, a senior at the University of Connecticut, had been captured in New Jersey.
A photo has now been circulated of a person matching his description walking along railroad tracks in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania on Sunday wearing a white T-shirt, dark shorts and carrying a large duffel bag.
Manfredonia is suspected of killing Ted DeMers, 62, and Nicholas Eisele, 23, before forcing Mr Eisele’s girlfriend, also 23, into her car and fleeing the state with her. He is believed to be armed with several guns stolen during an earlier home invasion.
The abducted woman was found unhurt on Sunday at a rest stop near Paterson, New Jersey, with her 2016 Volkswagen Jetta, police said.
Fox 61 reports that Manfredonia was dropped off at a Walmart in East Stroudsberg by an Uber before heading off along the rail line behind the store.
A lawyer for Manfredonia’s family, Mike Dolan, said the suspect 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 on Monday. “It is time to let the healing process begin. It’s time to surrender. You have your parents’ and your sisters’ and your family’s entire support. So, Peter, from your parents, we love you, please turn yourself in.”
The finance and mechanical engineering major from Sandy Hook was involved in charities born out of the town's 2012 school shooting tragedy.
He is suspected of killing Mr DeMers and assaulting another man, possibly with a sword or machete, in Willington on Friday after they found Manfredonia walking along a road and offered him a ride back to his motorcycle.
The second victim, Nicholas Eisele, was found dead at his home on Sunday in Derby, which is about 60 miles southwest of Willington. Mr Eisele, who worked with his father in a landscaping and irrigation business, was an acquaintance of Manfredonia.
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 Osbornedale State Park, about a mile from Mr Eisele’s home.
The Manfredonia family have sent their condolences to all those affected.
Connecticut State Police plan to hold a press conference on Tuesday.
With reporting from the Associated Press
