Patricia Novak, a 76-year-old resident of New Jersey, was accidentally shot and killed by her 82-year-old husband, Robert Novak, inside their home. The tragic event unfolded on Friday, April 5.
The devastating incident took place in their Edison, New Jersey home. Yolanda Ciccone, Middlesex County Prosecutor, shared that the local police responded to a 911 call about an accidental shooting at around 2:09 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered Patricia Novak suffering from a gunshot wound. She was immediately transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where she was later pronounced dead.
The investigation, spearheaded by Edison Detective Christian Paone and Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Jose Rosario, discovered that Robert Novak was attempting to unload a registered firearm in a room on the first floor. The gun accidentally went off, with the bullet going through the floor into the basement where Patricia Novak was at the time.
After hearing his wife scream, Robert Novak rushed to the basement and immediately dialed 911. He has been fully cooperative with the ongoing investigation, providing the detectives with detailed information concerning the incident.
The firearm was recovered from the scene by the authorities. The investigation into the shooting is currently being conducted by the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and the Edison Police Department. As the investigation proceeds, both the local community and the Novak family are in mourning for Patricia.
In 2016, Patricia Novak had shared a photo from their golden anniversary trip to Hawaii, providing a snapshot into their long-lasting relationship.
Patricia, originally from Edison, was a secretary by profession. She met Robert on a blind date, and they were married on September 24, 1966. They resided in Edison where they raised their family. Patricia is survived by her husband Robert, their daughter, son, and grandchildren, all of whom are mourning her untimely death.
