Police officials on Tuesday publicly pleaded for a 23-year-old college student suspected of killing two people to turn himself in, telling him, "We know this is not who you are."
"We talked to your family, we've talked to your friends and your roommate, and all of them have said the same things: that this behavior is out of the ordinary for you," Lt. John Aiello of the Connecticut State Police said at a press conference.
Authorities in Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have been searching for Peter Manfredonia since Friday morning, when he attacked two elderly men with an edged weapon. Theodore Demers, 62, died from his injuries, police said.
Police identified Manfredonia as a suspect in the killing Friday, and continued their search through Saturday.
Then on Sunday morning, police received a call about an abandoned vehicle that appeared to have been involved in a crash. The car was registered to a home near where the Friday killing took place, Connecticut State Police Trooper First Class Christine Jeltema said.
Police believe Manfredonia committed a home invasion early Sunday and stole several firearms. Later that morning, police also discovered 23-year-old Nicholas J. Eisele, an acquaintance of Manfredonia's, dead in his home.
Police also suspect Manfredonia kidnapped a woman from Eisele's home and took a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta from the driveway. The woman, who was later found unharmed in Paterson, New Jersey, identified Manfredonia as her captor, and the Jetta was found in New Jersey at the Pennsylvania border.
Authorities called Manfredonia "armed and dangerous" and have urged the public not to approach him if he is spotted. But on Tuesday, police tried appealing directly to him.
"We know this is not who you are," Aiello said. "Peter, I want you to know that we're continuing our investigation. The one thing that is missing is you. We want you to tell your story."
***WILLINGTON HOMICDE UPDATE*** Most current photos of the suspect, Peter Manfredonia. Last seen in East Stroudsburg, PA. PA law enforcement agencies are actively looking for the suspect. Do NOT approach, he is ARMED AND DANGEROUS, call 911 immediately.
Police have not released any information regarding what the motive behind the killings may have been.
Manfredonia is currently a senior at the University of Connecticut, majoring in management and engineering for manufacturing.
According to his Instagram, he raised $1,845 for anti-violence and anti-gun charities last year, including the Avielle Foundation and Sandy Hook Promise.
Authorities said he was last seen in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, where he was dropped off by a ride-hailing service. He was also spotted walking behind a Walmart near train tracks, carrying a duffle bag.
"We want a peaceful end to this," Aiello said in addressing Manfredonia directly. "Please call us. We're waiting here to listen to you."