WILDWOOD CREST, N.J. — A Wildwood Crest man has been arrested and charged with murder after allegedly shooting and killing another man during an argument inside a residence, authorities said.
Carmine Neri, 63, was taken into custody Wednesday after officers from the Wildwood Crest Police Department responded to a report of a gunshot victim at a home on East Cresse Avenue at approximately 3:46 p.m., according to Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Chief Robert Lloyd.
Upon arrival, officers encountered a 911 caller outside the residence who reported that the shooter was still inside. Inside, police found Neri standing in the front living room with a black and silver handgun in his back jeans pocket. He was immediately taken into custody.
Officers discovered the victim, Joseph Falciani, lying on his back at the top of a staircase with a gunshot wound to the chest. Life-saving measures were attempted, but Falciani was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators determined that an argument between Neri and Falciani escalated to the second floor before a single gunshot was heard. Witnesses reported seeing Neri holding a firearm. A search of the residence recovered a spent shell casing, a projectile, and multiple electronic devices. Authorities also noted that a nearby office door was locked and showed signs of being forcibly kicked in.
Neri has been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. He is being held at the Cape May County Correctional Facility pending further proceedings.