A SOPRANOS star is behind bars in New Jersey, accused of a shocking road-rage shooting that allegedly left a mum-of-three blinded in one eye.
Ernest Heinz, 47, was formally indicted on first-degree attempted murder and dozens of other charges after allegedly shooting another driver in the face at a traffic light near Stockton University.
A grand jury returned a sweeping 31-count indictment accusing Heinz of opening fire during what authorities describe as a sudden and violent outburst on a Galloway Township roadway.
The shooting unfolded shortly after noon on September 11, when Heinz and the victim, Maritza Arias-Galva, crossed paths while merging into a single lane on South Pomona Road, prosecutors said.
According to an affidavit of probable cause, Heinz passed Arias-Galva during the merge, only for both vehicles to meet again minutes later at a red light near Vera King Farris Drive, a main route leading onto Stockton University’s campus.
When they stopped at the light, Arias-Galva told police the other driver called her a “b****” and a “motherf*****” and threatened to kill her.
Authorities allege Heinz began shouting from his vehicle before firing a gunshot into Arias-Galva’s car.
During a detention hearing, prosecutors said Heinz threatened her moments before pulling the trigger, allegedly yelling: “I’m going to kill you today. Today, I’m going to [take] care of you.”
Police arrived around 12.30pm and found Arias-Galva suffering from a gunshot wound to her face.
The bullet entered through her nose and exited through the side of her face, according to earlier police accounts.
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