A Newark police lieutenant accused of killing his estranged wife and trying to kill her boyfriend faced a judge Wednesday.

Lt. John Formisano appeared in court via video conference from a treatment center. He has been under psychiatric care since July 15 – the day after he allegedly shot and killed his wife Christine Formisano in Jefferson Township.

Formisano pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, attempted murder and endangering the welfare of a child. Formisano’s children were inside the home at the time of the shooting.

Friends who attended the court hearing said that Christine Formisano was a loving mother.

“Anything you needed…she was your go-to person…Anything that you wanted to talk about, she would always give sound advice…but above all, she was just an amazing mother,” says family friend Cathleen Coviello-Guida.

Lt. Formisano was suspended from the police force following his arrest. He is due back in court on Oct. 7.