Somers Point Man Charged With Murder In Fatal Atlantic City Shooting: Prosecutor

A Somers Point man has been charged with murder in the shooting death of a 26-year-old Absecon man inside a store in Atlantic City on Sept. 1, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Diane M. Ruberton said Wednesday evening.

Luis A. Maisonet, 55, was charged with first-degree murder, second-degree aggravated assault, second-degree possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose, second-degree possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, third-degree possession of a firearm while prohibited from doing so pursuant to a prior domestic violence order and third-degree unlawful possession of a handgun without a permit to carry.

He was arrested on Wednesday at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center City Division, where he remains, guarded by law enforcement officers.

He has been in the hospital since he turned his gun on himself after fatally shooting Christopher Romero during what the prosecutor's office called a "domestic related matter."

His bail was set at $1 million cash with no 10 percent option. His first court appearance is scheduled for Monday afternoon.

Police say Maisonet shot Romero in the Zumiez store around noon on Sept. 1.

Maisonet fled the scene before shooting himself.

An off-duty cop from Camden County then wrestled the gun from his grasp before he could further injure himself or anyone else.

A conviction for murder carries a potential sentence of incarceration in New Jersey State Prison for a period of 30 years to life.

The potential prison sentence for a second degree conviction is 10-20 years of imprisonment. A third degree conviction carries a potential penalty of 3-5 years.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 609-909-7666, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-658-TIPS (8477), the anonymous (confidential) tip line 652-1234, or text TIPCOP plus your tip to 274637.