Dale Mooney: Two Rhode Island men charged in the death of New England Patriots fan who died after a brawl at Gillette Stadium

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTES: Two Rhode Island men have been charged in connection with the death of a New England Patriots fan who lost his life following an altercation at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusettes, in September, Norfolk County District Attorney Michael W Morrissey said in a statement on Thursday, December 21. 

John Vieira, 59, and Justin Mitchell, 39, have been charged with assault and disorderly conduct after the death of Dale Mooney, 53, who was punched in the face during the scuffle, as per a video shared by 7 News WHDH. He collapsed at the scene and was taken to a hospital where he died, New York Post reports.

How did Dale Mooney die?

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner's (OCME) preliminary findings showed no indication of traumatic injury but indicated a medical cause of death. 

Mooney's cause of death has now been ruled as "probable cardiac dysrhythmia in a person with severe hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease during a physical altercation," as per the OCME, the DA's statement said. Mooney's manner of death was ruled to be a homicide.

"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," the DA's statement said.

"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,” Morrissey's statement concluded. Vieira and Mitchell are scheduled to be arraigned on January 19 and 26 respectively. 

Dale Mooney was a father-of-two

Mooney’s wife, Lisa, told the outlet that he was a self-employed construction worker and a father of two sons aged 19 and 26. Lisa Mooney said Dale was also a longtime Patriots season ticket holder.

Keith Noonan said he brought his son to Sunday night’s game and looked away from the game when he heard a commotion between fighting fans below. “Just a lot of shouting,” Noonan said of the confrontation in the crowd. Soon after, Noonan said he saw paramedics rushing to Mooney’s aid.

“These heroes were doing everything they could and we could see at that point that it was already done,” he recalled.

What did the Gillette Stadium officials say?

Gillette Stadium officials, in their statement, described Mooney as a “lifelong Patriots fan” and said he had been a season ticket holder for 30 years. 

“We continue to work with local authorities to assist them with their ongoing investigation,” officials said, adding “We extend our sincerest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Dale’s family and to all those who are mourning his loss.”