Man wanted for NJ woman's death kills himself after 7-hour standoff with police

NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — A man wanted for killing a woman in Manchester Township in June killed himself Friday after a standoff with police at a house in Toms River.

Police and U.S. Marshals found 35-year-old Maxwell Johnston at a house on Ravenwood Drive Friday afternoon. He had been on the run since June 27, when authorities believe he killed 25-year-old Gabriella Caroleo.

Five people in total were in the house when police arrived. Marshals called three people out of the residence, but Johnston and 29-year-old Elizabeth Mascarelli remained inside.

Authorities say Johnston was armed.

What ensued was a standoff that lasted nearly seven hours. Video from local news outlet Asbury Park Press shows Johnston fired at least once at officers stationed outside the house.

Eventually, Mascarelli was evacuated and taken to a local hospital to be treated for injuries sustained during the standoff.

Authorities say the residence was then cleared with a drone and Johnston was found dead in a bedroom with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

After further investigation, Mascarelli was charged with hindering a fugitive from justice for allowing Johnston to stay at that residence for four days, despite knowledge of Johnston’s alleged involvement in Caroleo’s murder.

Once she leaves the hospital, she will be taken to Ocean County Jail.