Former Olympic equestrian acquitted of shootings because of insanity; Morris prosecutor issues statement

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Onetime New Jersey Olympian Michael Barisone was cleared Thursday of shooting his former trainee, and attempting to shoot her fiancé, on his Long Valley dressage training center in August 2019.

After 17 hours of deliberations, a jury in Morristown found Barisone not guilty by reason of insanity.

Here’s a statement from Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll.

 

Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Issues Statement
on State vs. Michael Barisone Verdict

April 14, 2022

Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood and Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker announce a jury has found Michael Barisone, 57, not guilty by reason of insanity on charges of attempted murder and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

The trial was related to a shooting that occurred on Aug. 7, 2019, in Washington Township. On Dec. 18, 2019, an indictment was returned charging Barisone with two (2) counts of attempted murder, crimes of the first degree, and two (2) counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, crimes of the second degree.

The jury found Barisone not guilty of one count of first degree attempted murder and one count of second degree possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose. The jury found Barisone not guilty on the remaining two charges.

A not guilty by reason of insanity disposition hearing is scheduled before Judge Taylor on May 17, 2022.

Barisone was tried before the Hon. Stephen J. Taylor and a jury between March 28, 2022 and April 11, 2022. The State was represented at trial by Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Schellhorn and Assistant Prosecutor Alexander Bennett.

A video recording of Prosecutor Carroll’s statement is available here.

Video statement by Morris Prosecutor Robert Carroll:

“The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office would like to make a public statement today on the jury’s verdict in the State vs. Michael Barisone.

“Firstly, we would like to thank the jury for their dedication and perseverance during this lengthy trial. I believe Judge Stephen Taylor presided over an effective trial consistent with the law.

“I would like to commend Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Schellhorn and Assistant Prosecutor Alexander Bennett on their thorough and meticulous prosecution of this case.

“I would also like to thank the Washington Township Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes and High-Tech Crimes units for their extensive efforts. This case required a multi-faceted investigation, including conducting several interviews, medical assessments, high tech examinations, forensics and other analysis.

“I applaud the cooperative efforts of our local law enforcement agencies for their due diligence. While disappointed with the outcome, in keeping with our commitment to the integrity of the criminal justice system, the verdict must be respected. I acknowledge the case has elicited strong opinions when it comes to how the public views the defendant and victims in this matter, and I ask that the public respect the jury members and their decision.”

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