Baldwin’s Christopher Mignone killed in shooting

Even as Baldwin processed the loss of firefighter Michael Esposito to a fatal heart attack, another resident became the victim of a deadly shooting. Christopher Mignone, 42, of Baldwin, was shot to death at Aimes Collision, the autobody shop he owned at 68 Bennington Ave. in Freeport. The shooting took place at approximately 9:40 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18, Nassau County Police have said.

According to a police report, officers responding to a 911 call discovered Mignone “suffering from gunshots wounds to the chest.” The victim was then transported to Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow where, at 10:18 p.m., a staff physician pronounced him dead.

Mignone, married to Lisa and father of two sons and a daughter (Chris, Steve and Lexi) worked at several local auto body establishments before opening his own shop on a side street between Sunrise Highway and the LIRR tracks. An active Baldwin parent and businessman, Mignone’s sons play baseball on local youth teams and friends of the family were shocked by the sudden loss.

Joan Guido, a friend of the family and a Baldwin resident, offered her condolences on an online memorial website which sprang up in response to the tragedy. “Chris is one of the finest men we have ever known. He is a devoted husband, father, son and friend. We shall never forget him. Our deepest sympathy to Lisa, Chris, Lexi and Stevie...We love you. Joan & Joe.”

Police are still investigating the incident and invite anyone with information relating to the murder to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

Thus far, no suspects have been named, but Det. Sgt. Greg Quinn, a supervisor on the case, said police were interviewing the victim's family, business associates and employees, as well as downloading video surveillance from nearby cameras.

Comments about this story? CConnolly@LIHerald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 283.