Andrew Buller-Russ
Foxborough Police charged two Rhode Island men with assault and battery plus disorderly conduct in relation to the death of a spectator at the New England Patriots’ Week 2 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.
Investigators ruled that 53-year-old Dale Mooney of Newmarket, New Hampshire, was punched by John Vieira, 59, and Justin Mitchell, 39, both from Warwick, Rhode Island, on Sept. 17. Mooney was taken to the hospital following the altercation, where he was later pronounced dead.
The Norfolk District Attorney’s Office ruled the manner of death as a homicide, but the official cause has been listed as “probable cardiac dysrhythmia in a person with severe hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease during a physical altercation.”
In reviewing the evidence, investigators looked over several video angles of the incident, but they did not establish a reason to pursue criminal prosecution charges relating to a homicide.
“We thank the members of the public who made their private videos of the altercation available for our review, and the investigators at the Foxborough Police Department, for their help in establishing a clear picture of these tragic events.”
Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey
The two Rhode Island men charged with crimes are set for court dates in January.
Gillette Stadium officials later released a statement, in memory of Mooney, saying they were “heartbroken” about the death of a 30-year season ticket holder who was a lifelong Patriots fan.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of Dale Mooney, a lifelong Patriots fans and 30-year season ticket member, who died while attending last Sunday night’s Patriots game.”
Gillette Stadium officials on the death of Dale Mooney
