Full Breakdown
Equestrian Shooting Incident: A Complex Tale of Violence and Mental Health
4/16/2026, 2:54:55 AM
The Shooting Incident
On August 7, 2019, equestrian Lauren Kanarek was shot twice in the chest by her horse trainer, Michael Barisone, at his Hawthorne Hill farm in Long Valley, New Jersey. The shooting stemmed from a dispute regarding Kanarek and her fiancé, Robert Goodwin, living on Barisone's property. Kanarek, who was 44 at the time, managed to call 911 herself after the incident, despite suffering severe injuries that required surgery and a medically induced coma. Barisone was arrested and charged with two counts of attempted murder and two counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
Legal Proceedings and Mental Health Claims
In April 2022, a jury found Barisone not guilty by reason of insanity on one count of first-degree attempted murder and one count of second-degree possession of a weapon. He was acquitted on the remaining charges. Barisone's defense claimed he experienced a temporary mental breakdown due to alleged mental abuse from Kanarek and Goodwin. Psychiatrists diagnosed him with a delusional disorder and persistent depressive disorder, which his attorney argued contributed to his actions during the shooting.
Background of Tensions
Prior to the shooting, tensions escalated between Barisone and Kanarek. Barisone attempted to evict Kanarek and Goodwin after a flood damaged the farmhouse, leading to accusations and confrontations. Kanarek expressed her fears of Barisone on social media, stating she felt bullied and threatened. In the week leading up to the shooting, Barisone had contacted law enforcement multiple times, accusing Kanarek and Goodwin of harassment and trespassing.
Documentary and Diverging Narratives
Barisone has since recounted his version of events in the upcoming Netflix documentary "Untold: The Shooting at Hawthorne Hill," set to release on April 21, 2026. Kanarek, who is also featured in the documentary, has criticized the production for allegedly misrepresenting her as the instigator of the violence. She stated, “They tried to recast a villain as some victim and that’s just not how it is,” emphasizing that the core of the story is Barisone's violent actions.
Current Status and Future Implications
As of November 2023, Barisone was released from a psychiatric facility under strict conditions, including refraining from contacting Kanarek and undergoing regular psychological treatment. He has been banned from participating in dressage by the US Center for SafeSport due to previous allegations of sexual harassment and emotional misconduct. Meanwhile, Kanarek and Goodwin have relocated to Florida, where she is focused on rebuilding her equestrian career. Kanarek expressed her determination, stating, “I will not go away quietly. It’s a blessing and an honor that I get to continue riding, despite everything that’s happened.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Discrepancies exist regarding the details of the events leading up to the shooting, particularly concerning the nature of the relationship between Kanarek and Barisone, as well as the circumstances surrounding the eviction attempt. Additionally, the portrayal of the incident in the upcoming documentary has raised concerns about accuracy and bias from both parties involved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When you’re shot at point blank range, and bullets just go through you, you’re still walking around.” — Lauren Kanarek, Equestrian
- “Clients who have become a menace to us. These people are destroying our lives. These people are insane,” — Michael Barisone, during a 911 call.
