A dispute over a power cord that left a West Goshen Township man dead has been ruled a justifiable act of self-defense, Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan said on Thursday, Feb. 5.

West Goshen police responded to the 1200 block of Estate Drive on Tuesday, Feb. 3, about 2:30 p.m., where they found Nicholas Bonini, 23, fatally stabbed in the torso, and his brother, Earle B. Bonini, 32, suffering from wounds to his head and hand. Both lived at the residence.

Hogan said investigators interviewed multiple witnesses, including the surviving brother, the brothers’ parents, and neighbors, all of whom were fully cooperative. After analysis by forensic investigators, a search of the residence, and an autopsy of the decedent, investigators gave the following account:

The brothers had a history of arguing with each other.  On Feb. 3, Nicholas Bonini arrived home with friends and had a dispute about a power cord for an electronic device with his brother.  Nicholas Bonini grabbed a metal chain and began to attack his brother, inflicting gashes to his head.

Earle Bonini attempted to call 9-1-1 during the altercation, but his brother used the chain to knock the phone from his hand, which was cut open. During the assault with the chain, Earle Bonini pulled out a knife, stabbed Nicholas, immediately called 9-1-1, and attempted to perform CPR on his brother.

Police arrived within moments of the emergency call.  Earle Bonini was taken to Paoli Memorial Hospital, where he was treated for his injuries.  Nicholas Bonini was pronounced dead at the scene. During the course of an interview with police, Earle Bonini expressed remorse about the death of his brother.

“This is a terrible family tragedy,” said Hogan.  “These two brothers lived under the same roof.  This argument quickly escalated into a violent attack.  Although it was a justifiable act of self-defense under Pennsylvania law, it does not diminish the loss for this family.”

West Goshen Police Chief Joseph Gleason agreed. “Our hearts go out to the Bonini family as they cope with this tragedy,” Gleason said.

Hogan credited investigators for their quick response. “Making a final decision in a self-defense case often is difficult,” he said. He said the efforts of the West Goshen Police Department, the Chester County Detectives, and the witnesses in the case, facilitated his ability to issue his conclusion confidently.

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