In a recent turn of events stemming from a violent altercation at Gillette Stadium during a 2023 Patriots game, charges have been dropped against John D. Vieira, 59, and Justin A. Mitchell, 39, both of Rhode Island. The two men were facing assault and battery and disorderly conduct charges connected to the incident that led to the death of 53-year-old Dale Mooney, as reported by CBS News Boston and Boston 25 News. According to authorities, the decision to cease prosecution was "in the interest of justice," a development ensued only recently that the Norfolk District Attorney's office has confirmed.
With no immediate signs of significant physical injuries, captured on cellphone video by witnesses, the fight between Mooney and others occurred, who could be seen struggling with another man, as security moved to separate them. The Norfolk District Attorney's office made no further comment on the case dismissal, standing by their statement. Mooney's autopsy determined that he likely died due to severe hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the context of a physical altercation, a conclusion supported by the medical examiner's ruling of Mooney's death as a homicide. Nevertheless, Vieira and Mitchell were not charged with killing Mooney due to insufficient evidence, as mentioned by CBS News Boston.
Mooney, a loving father of two sons and a dedicated Patriots season ticket holder for three decades, was a resident of Newmarket, New Hampshire. On the night of his death, Mooney was at the Patriots' home game when, in the 300s section of the stadium during the game's fourth quarter around 11 p.m., he collapsed after an engagement in a confrontation that was caught on video. Following the incident, Mooney was rushed to Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, where he was unfortunately pronounced dead before the midnight hour.
Boston 25 News reports that the fight took place specifically in sections 308/309 of Gillette Stadium, a fact highlighting the very concrete and precise locations of these tragic events. Although the charges against Vieira and Mitchell have been dropped, the story continues to develop, and further updates are expected as additional information comes to light.
