In a tragic and violent episode driven by jealousy, 26-year-old Christopher Romero was fatally shot on September 1, 2016, at the Zumiez store in the popular Atlantic City outlet shopping center known as 'The Walk,' where he worked as a manager. The incident, which authorities later described as domestic-related, unfolded around noon, sending shockwaves through the busy shopping district.
Romero, an Absecon resident, was a father of two, with his second child born after his untimely death.
The man responsible for the brazen daylight shooting was identified as 55-year-old Luis Maisonet of Somers Point. Maisonet's motive was rooted in a personal conflict; Romero was in a relationship with Maisonet's ex-girlfriend, and the couple was expecting a child. Fueled by this jealousy, Maisonet entered the Zumiez store and shot Romero multiple times. After the shooting, Maisonet fled the scene and proceeded to the White House Black Market store, located across the boulevard. There, he pointed his handgun at another individual before turning the weapon on himself, inflicting a critical, self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Despite his attempt to take his own life, Maisonet was taken into custody after an off-duty police officer from Bellmawr, who was shopping at the outlets, courageously intervened and wrestled the gun away from him. Both Romero and Maisonet were transported to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, where Romero was pronounced dead. Maisonet was hospitalized in critical condition but survived his injuries.
In the aftermath, Luis Maisonet faced the full force of the law. He was indicted on charges of murder, aggravated assault, and various weapons offenses. In December 2017, an Atlantic County jury found Maisonet guilty of murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, aggravated assault by pointing a firearm at a person, unlawful possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a convicted person. During the trial, prosecutors highlighted Maisonet's callousness and lack of remorse for his actions. In February 2018, he was sentenced to life in prison. The terms of his sentence stipulate that he will not be eligible for parole for 65 years, ensuring that the man responsible for Christopher Romero's death will spend the remainder of his life behind bars.
