BOSTON -- One of two Rhode Island men charged with assault and battery and disorderly conduct in connection with the death of a fan at a New England Patriots game pleaded not guilty Friday.
In a brief appearance at Wrentham District Court, John Vieira, 59, entered the plea over allegations that he and Justin Mitchell, 39, punched Dale Mooney, of Newmarket, New Hampshire. Mooney, 53, was struck during an altercation at the Sept. 17 game when the Patriots faced the Miami Dolphins, investigators said. Mooney was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.