In a quiet New Milford, New Jersey home, a grim discovery was made on a Saturday afternoon, forever altering the peace of the residential neighborhood. Fifty-six-year-old Marina Perez was found deceased from gunshot wounds in what authorities have described as an isolated and tragic event. Her body was discovered alongside that of 80-year-old Giovanni 'John' Emmolo, who also died from a gunshot wound.
The authorities were called to the Myrtle Avenue residence for a welfare check on
Saturday, October 7, 2023. Upon entering the home around 4:15 p.m., officers found Ms. Perez and Mr. Emmolo. The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office later confirmed the identities of the two individuals.
Investigations by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the New Milford Police Department pointed towards a murder-suicide. Unnamed law enforcement sources and family members indicated that the two had been in a relationship that had recently ended. The official investigation concluded that the incident was contained to the residence, with no outstanding threat to the community. While the investigation has provided some clarity on the tragic circumstances, the community is left to mourn the loss of Marina Perez in such a violent manner.
