NJ Cop Was In Uniform During Alleged Murder Of Wife: 911 Calls

JEFFERSON, NJ — Newark police lieutenant John Formisano was in his uniform when he allegedly shot his estranged wife dead in Jefferson, according to two 911 callers.

"He's a Newark cop, he lives on the corner, I saw him through my window, he's in his uniform," the woman said on a 911 call reporting the shooting. "You gotta hurry, she's dying on my porch!"

A second 911 caller also said Formisano was in uniform the night of the July 14 shooting. "He's a Newark cop, my wife saw him in his car in his police uniform and he shot his ex-wife," the second caller, a man, told dispatchers.

Formisano, a 24-year-veteran of the Newark Police Department, has been charged with the murder of his estranged wife, Christine Solaro Formisano, and the attempted murder of her boyfriend, and endangering the welfare of his two children. The Formisano's two children were home at the time of the shooting, police have said.

After shooting her, Solaro Formisano fled from the home the couple used to share, police said. Solaro Formisano tried to knock on two neighbors doors; Formisano shot her dead on the front porch of a home two doors over.

"There's someone shot on my front steps. I think she's dying, or she's dead, I didn't want to touch her. We heard some pops... I think it's the woman from two doors down," the male 911 caller said.

Formisano was arrested in Livingston several hours later. He has remained hospitalized in a psychiatric unit, his lawyer told NJ Advance Media. It's not clear when he will be able to make a first appearance.

The Formisanos were estranged at the time of Solaro Formisano's death; John Formisano had filed for divorce, but it had not yet been finalized.

A third 911 call was not released by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office. "Morbid curiosity alone, not transparency, would be served with the release of this recording," Assistant Prosecutor Thomas C. Schmid said.

You can listen to the two released 911 calls below. Strong language is used; listener discretion is advised:

Read More:

• 'Black Out:' Chilling Details In NJ Cop's Alleged Murder Of Wife
• Support For Family After NJ Cop's Alleged Murder Of Wife
• 'Forever Loved': Slain Jefferson Woman Remembered By Family

Editor's note: If you or someone you know is struggling with domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224.