Michele Linzalone, a 73-year-old woman from New Jersey, has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting her 74-year-old husband Rocky Linzalone in the head while he slept. The incident occurred in December 2021, and Linzalone claimed that the gun accidentally discharged while she was playing with it.

1. A Grand Jury Wasn't Convinced By Linzalone's Story

The grand jury members did not believe Linzalone's story and accused her of intentionally killing the disabled man. According to the indictment, they presented that on or about December 13, 2021, in the Township of Middletown, Michele Linzalone committed the crime of murder. She allegedly caused the death of R.L. either purposely or knowingly or caused serious bodily injury that led to R.L.'s death.

2. Linzalone Claimed That She Believed The Gun Was Unloaded

According to Asbury Park Press, when Linzalone's husband was killed, her idea of "playing" with the firearm was pointing it at his head while he slept. She alleged that she believed the gun was unloaded when she pulled the trigger. She claimed that the gun was stored in her bedside drawer for "protection."

3. Her Internet Search History Did Give Her Away A Bit

Law&Crime reported that Linzalone had allegedly searched for suspicious topics prior to the death of her husband. One of the searches was "If you shoot someone in the head, will they die instantly?" on her phone just 22 minutes before calling 911 and claiming that she had accidentally shot her husband. In the weeks leading up to the incident, she had also reportedly searched for ammunition, specifically hollow-point bullets, as reported by NJ.com.

4. Linzalone Waited Nearly 30 Minutes Before Calling 911 After Shooting Her Husband

Linzalone later explained to the officers that she had returned to her bedroom to get dressed and brush her teeth because she was shocked at what had happened.

5. Sadly, Rocky Linzalone Had Become Disabled And Michele Was His Sole Caregiver

According to family members, after suffering multiple strokes over the past two years, he was left disabled and required full-time care from Michele. This seemed to have taken a toll on Michele and she became resentful towards the victim.

6. Linzalone's Lawyer Insists There Was No Motive For The Crime

Attorney Edward C. Bertucio shared that even though the Linzalones are multimillionaires, his client Michele Linzalone did not transfer any of the money into their accounts after killing her husband. He said, "There is no evidence whatsoever that she was trying to profit substantially from the very sizable marital fortune, and she looks forward to her day in court to exonerate herself."

Linzalone is currently being held without bail in the Monmouth County Jail on charges of murder and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.