Captured Connecticut murder fugitive’s father played UTEP football in the 1980’s

EL PASO, Texas -- The father of a fugitive college student, arrested Wednesday night for murder after a nationwide manhunt, was a UTEP football player in the 1980's, ABC-7 has confirmed.

Robert Manfredonia, 54, played defensive back for the Miners from 1984 to 1987, the university indicated.

Through an attorney, he had called for his 23-year-old son, University of Connecticut honors student Peter Manfredonia, to peacefully surrender to authorities.

Peter Manfredonia is charged by Connecticut state police in the machete killing of a 62-year-old man and the shooting death of a former high school classmate.

Robert Manfredonia has said his son suffers from mental health issues, with a history of depression and anxiety. But a statement from the family's lawyer also described Peter as "a kind-hearted person who has no history of violence or any trouble with the law.”

(The Associated Press contributed background to this report.)