A 32-year-old New Jersey man is accused of shooting his girlfriend dead on Monday, a mere 33 days after his release from prison, according to police.
Ricardo A. Ferrera faces charges of first-degree murder and weapons offenses in the death of Christina Cruz, 30. Authorities allege Ferrera shot Cruz twice in the living room of a Franklin Township home following an argument. A witness reportedly heard the couple arguing before two shots were fired. The witness later heard a thud and what sounded like Cruz gasping, according to an affidavit.
Another resident of the home, who was upstairs with her children, rushed downstairs after hearing the gunfire and found Cruz on the floor. The resident told police that Ferrera said, "I have to go," before leaving the scene in a vehicle.
First responders found Cruz unresponsive and pronounced her dead at the scene.
Ferrera had been released from South Woods State Prison on September 30th. His previous prison stint was for shooting at two women in Vineland on January 18, 2022. He was sentenced to five years for that offense. Court records also mention a July 2025 conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm.
It remains unclear what led to the argument between Ferrera and Cruz. Attempts to reach Ferrera for comment were not immediately successful.