Gunfire and Heartbreak in Berkeley Township: Shooter Dead After Standoff, Two Neighbors Critically Injured

A quiet evening in Berkeley Township, New Jersey, turned into a nightmare on March 10, 2025, when gunfire erupted in a peaceful neighborhood. A husband and wife were left critically injured, and their neighbor, the alleged shooter, took his own life after a tense standoff with police. The shocking incident has left the tight-knit community reeling and searching for answers.

A Violent Outburst Shatters the Peace

The chaos began at approximately 4:45 PM when 54-year-old John Adamo allegedly opened fire on his neighbors near Drake Drive and Amherst Drive. According to authorities, Adamo first shot his male neighbor outside the victim’s home. He then fired multiple rounds into the house, striking the man’s wife.

Emergency responders arrived quickly, and both victims were airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. They remain in critical but stable condition as doctors fight to save their lives.

A Standoff That Gripped the Neighborhood

After the shootings, Adamo barricaded himself inside his home, triggering a high-stakes standoff with law enforcement. The Ocean County Regional SWAT Team was called to the scene as officers worked to de-escalate the situation. For over two hours, negotiators attempted to make contact with Adamo, but their efforts were met with silence.

As tensions mounted, SWAT officers breached the home. Inside an upstairs bedroom, they found Adamo dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. What began as a violent attack ended in further tragedy.

Bomb Scare Adds to the Drama

Adding another layer of fear to an already harrowing ordeal, police discovered a pressure cooker in Adamo’s bedroom during their search of the home. Concerned it could be an explosive device, authorities evacuated nearby homes as a precaution. The New Jersey State Police Bomb Squad was called in to investigate and later determined that the device posed no threat.

Unanswered Questions Linger

While authorities continue their investigation, one question looms large: Why? Neighbors reported that Adamo had ongoing disputes with his victims, and police had been called to the area several times in the past due to conflicts. Whether these tensions played a role in this violent outburst remains under investigation.

“This is such a quiet neighborhood,” one resident said. “We’re all shocked that something like this could happen here.”

A Community Left Shaken

The shooting has left Berkeley Township residents grappling with fear and uncertainty in a place they once considered safe. Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer praised law enforcement for their swift response but acknowledged the deep scars this tragedy has left on the community.