MATTAPOISETT, MA — Nicholas Bottella, 33, of Fairhaven, was arraigned in Wareham District Court yesterday on a charge of first-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of James Rizza.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of June 30. Mattapoisett Police responded to a residence on Harbor Road at approximately 3:00 p.m. following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered 57-year-old James Rizza, of Mattapoisett, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in his driveway. Despite immediate medical intervention, Rizza was pronounced dead at 3:40 p.m.
According to reports from the Plymouth County District Attorney’s office and the Mattapoisett Police Department, a witness provided 911 dispatchers with a description of a red vehicle fleeing the scene. Officers located the vehicle at a nearby intersection and attempted a traffic stop. When the driver, identified as Bottella, refused to stop, a pursuit ensued. The chase concluded near Front Street in Marion when police successfully boxed in the suspect’s vehicle.
In addition to the first-degree murder charge, Bottella faces several counts, including:
- Discharge of a firearm
- Illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition
- Failure to stop for police and negligent operation of a motor vehicle
Investigators have indicated that the motive appears to be rooted in a long-standing neighborly dispute between the two men that dated back approximately one year.
Bottella is currently being held without bail. He is scheduled to return to court on July 31 for a probable cause hearing.
