Fairhaven Man Arraigned for Murder Following Mattapoisett Shooting, Police Chase

WAREHAM (WBSM) — A Fairhaven man is charged with the murder of his neighbor after he allegedly shot and killed the man Tuesday afternoon in Mattapoisett before leading police on a pursuit into Marion.

Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy J. Cruz and Mattapoisett Police Chief Jason King announced that Nicholas Bottella, 33, was arraigned today in Wareham District Court and ordered held without bail.

He is charged with first degree murder and multiple other charges in the shooting death of James Rizza, 57. Bottella pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Fatal Shooting on Harbor Road in Mattapoisett

On Tuesday, June 30 at about 3 p.m., Mattapoisett Police received reports of a shooting at a residence on Harbor Road. Rizza, the victim, was found severely injured in his driveway and was taken to the hospital with multiple gunshot wounds. He was later pronounced deceased at about 3:40 p.m.

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Police Pursuit Ends in Marion

The witness who reported the shooting told 911 the suspect had left the scene in a red vehicle. Officers saw a vehicle that matched the description given at a nearby intersection and attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop. The driver, later identified as Bottella, refused to stop and led police on a chase that ended near Front Street in Marion, when his vehicle was boxed in by Mattapoisett Police cruisers.

History of Neighbor Dispute

Bottella was placed under arrest. A passenger in his vehicle was taken to police headquarters for questioning. The investigation determined Bottella “was involved in a neighborly dispute with Rizza about a year prior to the fatal shooting,” the authorities said.

Additional Charges and Next Court Date

In addition to the murder charge, Bottella is also charged with discharge of a firearm, carrying a firearm without a license, possession of ammunition without an FID card, carrying a loaded firearm, trespass, failure to stop for police, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, speeding, failure to stop/yield, and a marked lanes violation.

Bottella will return to court July 31 for a probable cause hearing.