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Prosecutor: 1 killed, 1 injured in shooting at Fairfield Ramada hotel

Officials say that the shooting happened Friday afternoon near the Ramada by Wyndham on Two Bridges Road.

Tom Krosnowski

Oct 4, 2024, 7:21 PM

Updated 77 days ago

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One person was killed and another person was injured in a shooting at a hotel in Fairfield, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Officials say that the shooting happened Friday afternoon near the Ramada by Wyndham on Two Bridges Road. They say that one person was pronounced dead at the scene, while another person was taken to the hospital for treatment.
The last update from police said they were looking for a third person, a suspect believed to be the shooter.
“We can say with as much clarity as we can - there's no continuing threat to this community,” said Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens.
One woman who was inside the hotel said she didn’t know there was a shooting until she went to leave.
“I heard some shouting around 12:30 p.m.,” said guest Melissa Lupinacci. “I stayed to myself, I didn't open the door. (Later) I went to exit, and there was crime tape on the bottom of the stairs. Nobody had said anything to me.”
Others coming from out-of-state met an unexpected obstacle - unable to check in or even reach the front desk.
“We're actually traveling up to the New York Renaissance Fair,” said guest Marie Barnhurst. “We don't really know what the rest of the night is going to hold for us.”
Stephens said it is unclear if any of those involved were associated with the hotel. There was no immediate word on a motive.
Although the shooting surprised guests, it didn’t make them change their plans.
“You don't expect anything here,” Lupinacci said. “I've seen families here. I think it was an isolated event, I'm not concerned for my safety or my family’s safety.”
“It gives you pause, certainly, but of course they make you do a non-refundable reservation,” said Barnhurst.