Edison Man Accidentally Shoots, Kills Wife, Prosecutor Says

EDISON, NJ — An 82-year-old Edison man attempting to clear his gun accidentally shot and killed his wife, authorities said.

The fatal shooting in the home on Glencourt Avenue Friday afternoon is now under investigation, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Chief Thomas Bryan of the Edison Police Department said Monday.

Shortly after 2 p.m. Friday, Edison police were called to the home of Robert and Patricia Novak after they received a report of an accidental shooting.

Officers found Patricia Novak, 76, had sustained one gunshot wound and she was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick where she was
pronounced dead, authorities said.

An initial police investigation determined that Patricia Novak’s husband, Robert Novak, 82, was attempting to clear one of his registered firearms in the first floor of the home when the gun discharged. The weapon bullet travelled into the basement and struck his wife, authorities said.

No specifics were provided on the type of weapon involved.

Novak heard his wife scream and went to check on her, calling 911 when he realized she was shot, authorities said.

Novak cooperated with detectives throughout the investigation, authorities said.

The investigation is active and anyone with information is asked to call Detective Paone of the Edison Police Department at 732-248-7413 or Detective Rosario of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-3289.