No bail for man held in death of Bradford teen
One of three Delaware men charged in the deadly shooting of a Bradford teen as he opened the front door of his family’s home last year was ordered held without bail yesterday in Newburyport.
Nicholas Mandato, 20, of Dagsboro, Del., is charged in the slaying of Bryce Finn, 18, who died June 6, 2017, four days after graduating from Haverhill High School. Mandato entered the court in handcuffs, wearing a black T-shirt, and pleaded not guilty.
“This is a murder charge. We are asking that the defendant be held without bail,” said Assistant District Attorney Christina Ronan, “based on the serious nature of the facts and circumstances and this defendants ties outside the commonwealth.”
Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett and Haverhill police Chief Alan DeNaro said Wednesday Mandato had been arrested by Delaware State Police. A probable cause hearing was set for Aug. 28.
Finn’s family issued a statement ahead of yesterday’s proceedings. “What our family has gone through in the past year no family should ever be faced with,” said Megan Finn. “Our son Bryce brought happiness and love to so many lives and expected little in return. There are no words to accurately convey the amount of joy that was wrenched from our lives beginning that horrible night more than a year ago.”
Two other men charged in the case have been identified as Thomas Warner, 21, of Selbyville, Del., who authorities said turned himself in to Delaware State Police yesterday, and Kenneth Pitts, 18, of Frankford, Del., who was captured without incident in Bethany Beach, Del.
They are expected to be arraigned in the next two weeks, according to Ronan.
The judge granted a request to impound court documents including the arrest warrant affidavit issued for Mandato. Prosecutors argued two weeks ago the documents contain “detailed information which, if made public … could compromise the investigation by triggering flight of co-conspirators and the destruction … of critical evidence.”
Megan Finn implored other families to hold each other close.
“We ask that you honor Bryce’s memory by continuing his legacy of love. Hug your kids, kiss your partner, help to take action to see that this never occurs in our community again. We wish to thank all those who have worked so tirelessly to make these arrests and hopefully be able to bring our family and our boy Bryce, justice,” she said.