A Middletown woman has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and unlawful weapon possession in connection with the fatal shooting of her husband at the couple’s home, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced on Tuesday.

On Monday, Dec. 13, at 10:13 AM, the Middletown police were dispatched to 29 Borden Road for a shooting incident. A woman, 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.

Upon arrival, police were directed by Michele Linzalone to a second floor bedroom. Upon entry, the victim, her husband, was found with a gunshot wound to the head. Members of the Middletown EMS and paramedics responded.  

Despite attempts at medical intervention, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Police contacted the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and a joint investigation was launched into the incident.

As a result, police have determined that the shooting was not the result of an accidental discharge. 

Michele Linzalone, the victim’s wife, 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 an initial appearance before a judge today.

If convicted of murder, Linzalone faces a maximum term of life in prison.  If convicted of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, she faces up to 10 years in a 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.

— Edited press release from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office

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