A Middletown woman has been charged in the fatal shooting of her husband that took place at the couple’s residence, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced on Dec. 14.
On Dec. 13 at 10:13 a.m., the Middletown Township Police Department was dispatched to 29 Borden Road to investigate a report of a shooting incident, according to a press release from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
A female, identified as Michele Linzalone, 73, had called 911 and reported the accidental shooting of her husband, later identified as Rocky V. Linzalone, 74, according to the press release.
When police officers arrived at the home, they were directed by Michele Linzalone to a second floor bedroom. When the officers entered the bedroom they found Rocky Linzalone had sustained a gunshot wound to the head.
Members of the Middletown Township EMS and paramedics responded to the scene, but despite attempts at medical intervention, Rocky Linzalone was pronounced deceased.
Police contacted the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and a joint investigation was immediately launched into the incident, according to the press release.
As a result of the investigation, police have determined the shooting was allegedly not the result of an accidental discharge. Michele Linzalone was charged with first degree murder and second degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. She was taken
to the Monmouth County jail in Freehold Township.
Linskey and Middletown Police Chief R. Craig Weber praised the collective efforts of both agencies for their swift and professional response in handling the investigation, according to the press release.
If convicted of murder, Linzalone faces a maximum term of life imprisonment. If convicted of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, she faces up to 10 years in New Jersey state prison, according to the press release.