FREEHOLD–A Middletown woman is under arrest and 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 Monday, December 13, 2021, at approximately 10:13 AM, the Middletown Police Department was dispatched to 29 Borden Road in Middletown, New Jersey for a shooting incident. A female, identified as 73-year-old Michele Linzalone, had called 911 and reported the accidental shooting of her husband, later identified as 74-year-old Rocky V. Linzalone.
Members of the Middletown Township Police Department responded to 29 Borden Road. Upon arrival, they were directed by the defendant to a second floor bedroom. Upon entry, the victim was located with a gunshot wound to the head. Members of the Middletown Township EMS and paramedics responded. Despite attempts at medical intervention, the victim was pronounced deceased. Township Police contacted the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and a joint investigation was immediately launched into the incident.
As a result of the investigation, police have determined that the shooting was 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 Correctional Institution in Freehold pending a first appearance before a Judge today.
Acting Prosecutor Linskey and Middletown Police Chief R. Craig Weber praised the collective efforts of both agencies for their swift and professional response in handling this investigation.
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, subject to the Graves Act, which would require that she serve one-third to one-half of the sentence imposed or 42 months, whichever is greater.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Detective Jason Gold of the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office at (800) 533-7443 or Detective Keith Hirschbein of the Middletown Township Police Department at (732) 615-2100.
The case is assigned to Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Bogner of the Office’s Major Crimes Bureau.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
