1 of 2 Rhode Island men charged in fight at Gillette Stadium that ended in man’s death to appear in court

WRENTHAM, Mass. (WLNE) — One of the Rhode Island men facing charges stemming from the death of a New England Patriots fan at Gillette Stadium is expected in court on Friday.

According to the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office, 59-year-old John Vieira and 39-year-old Justin Mitchell, both of Warwick, face assault and battery and disorderly conduct charges in the death of 53-year-old Dale Mooney.

Vieira will appear in Wrentham District Court.

Mooney died after a fight in the stands during the Patriots-Dolphins game on Sept. 17, 2023.

This is a photo of Dale Mooney and his wife, Lisa. (WMUR)

Foxborough police reviewed video footage of the fight, which they said included Mooney, Vieira, Mitchell, and another man.

Police said it appeared Mooney had started the fight, and was punched three times in the head during the altercation.

The district attorney said a preliminary investigation showed Mooney died from a medical issue, and there was no sign of traumatic injury that contributed to his death.

“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,” District Attorney Michael Morrissey said in a statement.

Mitchell is expected in Wrentham District Court next week.