WILDWOOD CREST — A Wildwood Crest man was charged with murder Feb. 13 in the shooting death of a man the day prior inside a borough home.
Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Wildwood Crest Police Chief Robert Lloyd announced the arrest of Carmine Neri, 63, who was charged in the slaying of Joseph Falciani.
Authorities said officers responded to a residence on East Cresse Avenue about 3:46 p.m. Feb. 12 following the report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the 911 caller, who stated that the shooter was inside, according to officials.
That’s where officers encountered Neri standing in the front living room. Officers secured a black and silver handgun, allegedly observed in Neri’s back right jeans pocket, and took him into custody.
Officers discovered Falciani lying on his back at the top of a staircase with an apparent gunshot wound to the chest. Life-saving measures were attempted but were unsuccessful, and Falciani was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.
Detectives from the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and Wildwood Crest Police Department initiated an investigation, including witness interviews, forensic evidence collection and the execution of search warrants, police said.
Witness statements from two individuals present at the time of the incident alleged an argument between Neri and Falciani escalated to the second story of the residence.
A single gunshot was heard, and witnesses discovered Falciani lying at the top of the staircase while Neri held a firearm. Additional witness testimony and forensic evidence supported these accounts, according to police.
A search of the residence resulted in the recovery of a spent shell casing, a projectile and multiple electronic devices. Investigators also noted that an office door near the shooting scene was locked and displayed damage consistent with being forcibly kicked in.
Based on the evidence, Neri was charged with murder, a crime of the first degree; endangering the welfare of a child, a crime of the second degree; and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, a crime of the third degree, according to Sutherland.
Neri was subsequently lodged at the Cape May County Jail pending further proceedings.
Sutherland commended those who investigated and thanked the Wildwood Crest Police Department and the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office.
“Their unwavering commitment to solving this heinous crime and ensuring accountability for the victim is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement in our community. This successful investigation is a direct result of their professionalism, perseverance and teamwork,” Sutherland said.
The Prosecutor’s Office noted defendants are presumed innocent until proved guilty.