Oxygen Insider Exclusive!

Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more!

Sign Up for Free to View
Crime News Breaking News

‘I’ve Been Shot Twice!’ Woman Exclaims In 911 Call As She ID’s Her Alleged Attacker, A Former Olympain

Michael Barisone, who competed in dressage for the U.S. in 2008, is accused of trying to kill award-winning equestrian Lauren Kanarek at his horse farm.

By Gina Tron
Michael Barisone

A former Olympian is accused of shooting a woman twice in the chest and trying to shoot her fiancé at his own equestrian center in New Jersey.

The shooting victim, who has been identified by the New York Post and the New York Times as Lauren Kanarek called 911 on Wednesday afternoon from the horse farm exclaiming “Michael Barisone shot me” and “I’ve been shot twice,” according to a complaint filed in Washington Municipal Court and obtained by the Post.

When Washington Township police arrived to the center, they found “one female who had sustained what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds,” according to the Morris County District Attorney’s Office. There was also an unidentified male victim at the scene, who according to the Post is Kanarek's fiancé. He was shot at, but wasn't hit, and was lying on the pavement next to Kanarek when police arrived, the Post reports.

Michael Barisone, 54, has been charged with attempted murder and weapons offenses. A handgun was retrieved from the scene, according to the district attorney’s office. 

As he was being arrested, Barisone allegedly said more than once, “I had a good life,” the Post reports.

Barisone was a part of the U.S. Olympic Dressage Team in the 2008 Games. It’s not clear if he has an attorney who can speak on his behalf at this time.

Just days before the shooting, Kanarek posted on Facebook that she was being bullied, the New York Times reports. She has won several medals in national equestrian competitions. The 38-year-old is believed to be in stable condition after undergoing surgery following the shooting.

While a motive hasn't been disclosed, the New York Times noted that it may have been a landlord-tenant dispute gone bad between the two.

Read more about: