MORRIS COUNTY, N.J. (1010 WINS) — A Newark police lieutenant could spend the rest of his life in prison after he was convicted Monday of fatally shooting his estranged wife and attempting to kill her boyfriend in 2019.
John Formisano, 52, a 24-year veteran of the department, was initially charged after his 37-year-old wife, Christie Solaro-Formisano, was shot dead on July 14, 2019 outside the Jefferson Township home they once shared.
After finishing a shift at work, Formisano allegedly drove to the home in uniform and carrying a service weapon to hand off a pair of glasses one of their kids had left in the car, NJ.com reported.
When he arrived, prosecutors said he shot Solaro-Formisano and her boyfriend, Timothy Simonson, after seeing them in the main bedroom together. The Formisanos were in the process of divorcing.
As Solaro-Formisano fled the home, she banged on neighbors' doors, seeking help. Formisano chased her and killed her. Formisano's children were inside the home at the time of the shooting.
Following the eight-day trial that was anticipated to last more than a month, the jury deliberated for less than eight hours on Monday.
He was also found guilty of official misconduct, weapons charges, hindering apprehension and endangering the welfare of a child.
Formisano reportedly did not show any emotion as the verdict was read, and he was placed into handcuffs after the hearing was finished. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
"Today's verdict does not change the fact that Christie’s two young children will grow up without their loving mother, which will significantly impact them for the rest of their lives," Solaro-Formisano's family said in a statement.
"However, we are supportive of the decision reached today at the Morris County Courthouse that the person responsible for this senseless tragedy, who has inflicted so much pain and harm not just on Christie, but also on her two children, her extended family, her neighbors, and her friends, will be held fully accountable for his intentional criminal actions," their statement added.
Formisano reportedly told investigators that he "blacked out," only remembering the events before and after the shooting. He also turned down a plea deal of up to 40 years in jail multiple times.
"We are disappointed in the verdict and we are in the process of planning an appeal," Anthony Iacullo, Formisano's attorney, told the outlet.
Formisano is currently suspended without pay.
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