Two Rhode Island men, Justin Mitchell, 39, and John Vieira, 59, have been charged with assault and battery and disorderly conduct in connection with the death of a fan at a New England Patriots game, according to the Norfolk County district attorney. The incident occurred on September 17 in the 300-tier section of Gillette Stadium during a Patriots-Dolphins game.

The victim, Dale Mooney, 53, from Newmarket, New Hampshire, sadly passed away following the altercation. Mooney collapsed during the fight and despite efforts, emergency medical technicians were unable to resuscitate him. The district attorney's office revealed that while Mooney's death initially did not indicate traumatic injury, a recent review by the medical examiner determined it to be a probable cardiac dysrhythmia in a person with severe hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease during a physical altercation. The manner of death has been ruled a homicide.

After carefully reviewing the autopsy findings and video footage of the incident, the district attorney concluded that the evidence did not support charges related to the homicide. In a statement, Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey expressed gratitude to the public for providing their private videos and praised the Foxborough Police Department for their assistance in uncovering the details of the incident.

Eyewitness Joseph Kilmartin recounted that Mooney had engaged in a physical altercation with another fan before collapsing. Kilmartin stated, "At one point, another fan walked over. He punched him... and [Mooney] just went out."

The Foxborough police and Massachusetts State Police are currently investigating the incident and Mooney's death.

Gillette Stadium officials expressed their condolences in a statement released at the time of Mooney's passing, stating, "We are heartbroken to learn of the tragic passing of Dale Mooney, a lifelong Patriots fan and 30-year season ticket member."

As the investigation continues, Mitchell and Vieira will face charges relating to assault and battery and disorderly conduct in connection with the altercation at Gillette Stadium.