Overview
- Authorities say James Rizza, 57, was found with multiple gunshot wounds in his driveway and was pronounced dead at about 3:40 p.m. Tuesday.
- A witness reported a red vehicle and officers located a matching sedan; prosecutors say the driver fled and led police on a chase that ended in Marion where he was taken into custody.
- Thirty‑three‑year‑old Nicholas Bottella pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and faces a first‑degree murder charge plus counts for discharging a firearm, carrying a firearm without a license and several motor‑vehicle offenses.
- Investigators are still developing the case and have taken a passenger from the vehicle in for questioning while prosecutors note the two men had a neighbor dispute about a year earlier but have not released further motive or forensic details.
- Bottella was ordered held without bail and will return to Wareham District Court on July 31 for a probable cause hearing as the local investigation continues and the community seeks answers.