Crime
Wildwood Crest Man Arrested for Murder Following Deadly Shooting
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 residence on East Cresse Avenue following a 911 report of a gunshot victim.
Upon arrival, officers spoke with the 911 caller, who was waiting outside and informed them that the suspect was still inside the residence.
Officers entered the home and encountered Carmine Neri standing in the front living room. A black and silver handgun was observed in Neri’s back right jeans pocket, which was immediately secured by law enforcement. Neri was taken into custody at the scene.
Further inside the residence, officers discovered Joseph Falciani lying on his back at the top of a staircase with an apparent gunshot wound to the chest. Despite life-saving efforts, Falciani was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Detectives from the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and Wildwood Crest Police Department launched an extensive investigation, including:
- Witness interviews
- Forensic evidence collection
- Execution of search warrants
Two witnesses present at the time of the incident told investigators that a verbal argument between Neri and Falciani escalated to the second floor of the residence.
Shortly after, a single gunshot was heard, and witnesses discovered Falciani lying at the top of the staircase while Neri was still holding a firearm.
Authorities searched the residence, recovering:
- A spent shell casing
- A projectile
- Multiple electronic devices
Investigators also noted that an office door near the shooting scene was locked and showed signs of being forcibly kicked in.
Based on the collected evidence, Carmine Neri has been formally charged with:
- 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.
Prosecutor Jeffrey Sutherland praised the dedicated efforts of law enforcement in resolving this case, stating:
“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 encourage anyone with additional information regarding this case to contact the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office or Wildwood Crest Police Department.
Legal Disclaimer: All charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Crime
Celeste Gusman, 66, Dies After Stabbing at Kalihi Business in Honolulu; Police Investigate as Homicide
HONOLULU, Hawaii — A 66-year-old woman has died following a stabbing at a business in Honolulu’s Kalihi neighborhood, leaving her family, friends, and the local community grieving a tragic loss.
The victim was identified as Celeste Gusman, according to the Honolulu Police Department. Officers responded to a business in the 2300 block of North School Street at approximately 3:20 p.m. Wednesday after receiving a report of a stabbing.
When officers arrived, they found Gusman suffering from a stab wound. Emergency medical personnel quickly began providing advanced lifesaving treatment at the scene before transporting her to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite medical efforts, Gusman later succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities also reported that another woman, who is in her 60s, sustained minor injuries during the incident. According to the information released, she was injured in a fall amid the disturbance and was transported to a hospital in stable condition.
No further details about the circumstances surrounding the second woman’s injuries have been provided.
Following the incident, police initially arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder. After Gusman died from her injuries, authorities reclassified the case as a murder investigation.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the stabbing. Police have not yet released information about what may have triggered the incident or whether the suspect knew Gusman.
The suspect’s arrest and the ongoing investigation do not establish guilt. Further details are expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and determining the events that led to the fatal attack.
The death of Celeste Gusman at 66 has brought sadness to those affected by this incident. A place of business in a familiar neighborhood became the scene of a tragedy, and loved ones are now facing the difficult reality of losing someone important to them.
While many questions remain unanswered, the loss of life has deeply affected the community. Friends, relatives, and neighbors are left remembering Gusman and hoping that the investigation will bring clarity about what happened.
Please keep Celeste Gusman’s family, friends, and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. The injured woman and everyone affected by the incident also deserve support as they recover.
May Celeste Gusman rest in peace. May her loved ones find comfort, strength, and healing in the days ahead.