Weapons — Mattapoisett, MA — reported 2026-07-02

SUMMARY

Nicholas Bottella, 33, was arraigned on charges of first-degree murder and other counts related to the fatal shooting of James Rizza, 57, in Mattapoisett.

KEY FACTS

  • Incident type: Weapons
  • Location: Mattapoisett, MA
  • Date reported: 2026-07-02
  • Suspect: age 33
  • Victim(s): 1 (57-year-old man)
  • Status: arrest/charge

REPORTED DETAILS

  • Nicholas Bottella, 33, was arraigned on charges related to the fatal shooting of James Rizza, 57, in Mattapoisett.
  • Bottella pleaded not guilty to one count each of First-Degree Murder and other counts.
  • The victim, James Rizza, was found severely injured on his driveway by Mattapoisett Police before being pronounced dead at about 3:40 p.m.
  • A witness who initially alerted law enforcement of the shooting told 911 that a man with a red vehicle was involved in the incident.
  • Bottella refused to stop and led law enforcement on a motor vehicle pursuit that ended near Front Street in Marion when the vehicle was boxed in by Mattapoisett Police cruisers.