Wildwood Crest, NJ – Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Wildwood Crest Police Chief Robert Lloyd have announced the arrest of Carmine Neri, 63, in connection with the fatal shooting of Joseph Falciani.
On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at approximately 3:46 PM, officers from the Wildwood Crest Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting a gunshot victim at a residence on East Cresse Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers were met by the 911 caller, who was waiting outside. The caller informed law enforcement that the suspect, Carmine Neri, was still inside the residence.
Officers entered the home and immediately encountered Neri standing in the front living room. A black and silver handgun was visible in his back right jeans pocket, which officers quickly secured. Neri was taken into custody at the scene without incident.
Further inside the residence, officers discovered Joseph Falciani lying on his back at the top of a staircase with a gunshot wound to the chest. Despite life-saving efforts, Falciani was pronounced dead at the scene.
Extensive Investigation Launched
Following the fatal shooting, detectives from the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and the Wildwood Crest Police Department launched an intensive investigation. The process involved:
- Witness Interviews
- Forensic Evidence Collection
- Execution of Search Warrants
According to two witnesses who were present at the time of the incident, a verbal argument between Neri and Falciani escalated to the second floor of the residence. Moments later, a single gunshot was heard. When the witnesses ran upstairs, they found Falciani lying at the top of the staircase while Neri remained nearby, still holding the firearm.
Key Evidence Recovered
During their investigation, authorities recovered crucial pieces of evidence, including:
- A spent shell casing
- A projectile
- Multiple electronic devices
Additionally, investigators discovered that an office door near the shooting scene had been forcibly kicked in, further suggesting a physical altercation preceded the shooting.
Carmine Neri Charged with Multiple Offenses
Based on the evidence collected, Carmine Neri has been formally charged with the following offenses:
- Murder (First Degree)
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Second Degree)
- Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Third Degree)
Neri was transported to the Cape May County Correctional Facility, where he remains pending further legal proceedings.
Statement from Prosecutor Jeffrey Sutherland
Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland praised the dedication of law enforcement officials in bringing swift action to this case:
“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.”
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information regarding this case to contact the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office or the Wildwood Crest Police Department.
Detailed Timeline of Events Leading to the Arrest of Carmine Neri
The investigation into Joseph Falciani’s murder has revealed a detailed timeline of events leading up to the fatal shooting on February 12, 2025.
3:30 PM – Verbal Altercation Begins
Witnesses reported that Carmine Neri and Joseph Falciani were involved in a heated argument at the residence on East Cresse Avenue. The argument allegedly centered around a personal dispute that had been escalating for some time.
3:40 PM – Confrontation Moves Upstairs
As tensions escalated, both men moved to the second floor of the residence. Witnesses claim that shouting continued, and at one point, loud banging was heard, suggesting that a door had been forcibly kicked in.
3:45 PM – Single Gunshot Heard
Shortly after the confrontation moved upstairs, a single gunshot rang out. Witnesses, who were downstairs, rushed to the second floor and discovered Falciani lying at the top of the staircase, bleeding from a gunshot wound to the chest.
3:46 PM – 911 Call Placed
One of the witnesses immediately called 911, reporting that a shooting had just occurred inside the residence.
3:50 PM – Police Arrive & Secure the Scene
Wildwood Crest Police Officers arrived within minutes of the call. Upon entering the residence, they encountered Carmine Neri standing in the living room, appearing calm but uncooperative.
Officers immediately noticed a handgun in Neri’s back pocket, which was secured for evidence collection.
3:55 PM – Officers Confirm Victim’s Death
Medical personnel attempted life-saving measures, but Falciani was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Who Was Joseph Falciani? A Look at the Victim’s Background
Beloved Community Member
Friends and family of Joseph Falciani described him as a kind-hearted, hardworking man who was deeply loved by those who knew him.
“He was always willing to lend a helping hand,” said a close friend, Michael Delaney. “This is such a tragic and senseless loss.”
Longstanding Dispute with Carmine Neri?
Authorities are still investigating the nature of the relationship between Neri and Falciani. Some sources claim that the two men had previous conflicts that may have contributed to the deadly altercation.
Legal Ramifications: What’s Next for Carmine Neri?
Now facing serious charges, Carmine Neri will soon appear in court for an initial hearing.
Potential Sentences for the Charges He Faces:
- Murder (First Degree): 30 years to life in prison
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Second Degree): 5 to 10 years in prison
- Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Third Degree): 3 to 5 years in prison
If convicted on all charges, Neri could face a maximum life sentence in prison.
His first court appearance is scheduled for Monday, February 17, 2025, at the Cape May County Superior Court.
Ongoing Investigation: Were Others Involved?
Investigators are continuing to gather evidence, including digital records, surveillance footage, and witness statements, to determine whether anyone else was involved in the dispute or had knowledge of the planned attack.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the case to come forward and assist with the investigation.
Final Thoughts: A Community in Mourning
The tragic shooting of Joseph Falciani has left Wildwood Crest shaken, with friends, family, and neighbors struggling to process the senseless loss.
Meanwhile, law enforcement officials continue to work tirelessly to ensure that justice is served.
As the legal case unfolds, the community is left mourning a man whose life was cut short far too soon.
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