John Vieira, one of the two men criminally charged after the death of New England Patriots fan Dale Mooney at Gillette Stadium last fall, proclaimed his innocence following his first court appearance on Friday. The 59-year-old from Warwick, Rhode Island, was arraigned at Wrentham District Court, where he pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and battery and disorderly conduct related to the fight in the stands on September 17, 2023.
During the short hearing, Vieira requested a public defender to represent him and was released on a promise to return to court on February 26 for a pre-trial hearing. He was also ordered to stay away from Gillette Stadium and Mooney’s family. Following the hearing, Vieira briefly responded to reporters stating, “Of course I’m innocent.”
Dale Mooney, 53, tragically died after collapsing during a brawl with a group of fans in the stands during a game between the Patriots and the Miami Dolphins. Vieira and 39-year-old Justin Mitchell, also from Warwick, were charged in December after a thorough investigation into the brawl. Mitchell is scheduled to be arraigned on the same charges on January 26.
The medical examiner ruled Mooney’s death as a homicide, attributing it to heart disease and an abnormal heart rhythm caused by the fight. However, the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office stated that there wasn’t enough evidence to charge Vieira and Mitchell with causing Mooney’s death.
Court paperwork released on Friday revealed that there were two fights that night, during which Mooney was described as a willing participant who initiated a fight at one point. The focus then turned to Vieira, with police reporting that during the struggle, Vieira punched Mooney in the head area one time, which appeared to be a glancing blow.
This case has garnered significant attention and raised questions about the safety and security measures at sports stadiums, prompting discussions about the responsibilities of both fans and the venue to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
The tragic events at Gillette Stadium have sparked a broader conversation about fan behavior and the need for enhanced security measures at sporting events. The outcome of Vieira and Mitchell’s trials will undoubtedly have implications for future safety protocols at stadiums. As the legal proceedings continue, the case remains a potent reminder of the importance of promoting a culture of respect and accountability in sports and entertainment venues.