The Somers Point man accused of a fatal shooting in an Atlantic City outlet store had his first court appearance Tuesday, without appearing in court.
Luis Maisonet, 55, remains hospitalized with what has been described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He allegedly shot and killed 26-year-old Christopher Romero inside Zumiez on Columbus Boulevard.
Romero was a manager at the store.
The killing was described as domestic-related, but no details have been given.
Maisonet was charged last week six counts, including murder and weapons offenses.
The gun was allegedly not registered, according to the complaint. It states that Maisonet could not have a gun under a previous domestic violence order.
Chief Assistant Prosecutor Cary Shill, who represented the state at the brief hearing, had no information on that previous case.
Maisonet waived reading of the charges, which he told Superior Court Judge Bernard DeLury he read himself. When DeLury asked if he had a lawyer, Maisonet said no, and that he would need to be appointed a public defender.
"I can't afford one," he said.
An officer was with Maisonet in his hospital room. Before the proceeding, a member of the court staff was heard saying that Maisonet needed morphine, but the hospital was waiting to give it until after the court appearance so that he would be clear-headed.
His bail remains $1 million full cash.
Maisonet then went across the road to White House|Black Market, and shot himself inside before an off-duty Bellmawr police sergeant reportedly wrestled the gun away from the suspect.
