Lauren Kanarek Shooting: What Happened in the Hawthorne Hill Case
Lauren Kanarek Shooting: Inside the 2019 Equestrian Incident That Led to a High-Profile Attempted Murder Trial
The Lauren Kanarek shooting refers to a violent 2019 incident at a New Jersey horse training facility that shocked the equestrian world. Dressage rider Lauren Kanarek was shot twice by her trainer, former Olympic equestrian Michael Barisone, during a worsening dispute at his Hawthorne Hill farm.
The case later became one of the most widely discussed sports-related criminal trials in recent years, involving claims of harassment, mental breakdown, and an insanity defense.
What Happened During the Shooting
In August 2019, at Barisone’s training facility in Long Valley, New Jersey, a confrontation escalated into gunfire. Authorities say Barisone shot Kanarek twice in the chest during a dispute that had been building over months.
Kanarek survived the attack after emergency surgery, including treatment for life-threatening chest injuries. She later stated she was able to call 911 after being shot, which helped save her life.
Barisone was arrested at the scene and charged with attempted murder.
Background to the Conflict
Kanarek had been living and training at Barisone’s facility with her partner while paying for professional coaching. Over time, their relationship deteriorated amid allegations of:
- Workplace conflict and training disputes
- Harassment accusations from both sides
- Heated exchanges on social media
- Rising personal and professional tensions
The situation escalated until the final confrontation in 2019.
Trial and Legal Outcome
Barisone faced serious charges, including attempted murder, and the case went to trial in 2022.
His defense argued that he was suffering from severe mental distress and was temporarily insane at the time of the shooting. The jury ultimately agreed with this argument.
Key outcomes:
- Found not guilty by reason of insanity
- Acquitted of attempted murder charges
- Sent to a psychiatric facility for treatment
- Later released after several years in custody
Lauren Kanarek’s Recovery and Aftermath
Kanarek survived but required extensive medical treatment, including surgery and recovery from serious chest injuries. Reports indicate she spent time in a coma after the shooting and later continued her recovery process.
She has since spoken publicly about her experience and remains active in the equestrian community.
Media Coverage and Public Attention
The case gained renewed global attention after being featured in documentaries and investigative reports, including Netflix’s Untold: The Shooting at Hawthorne Hill, which revisits both Kanarek’s and Barisone’s perspectives.
The case continues to be debated due to conflicting narratives from both parties.
FAQs
Q: Who is Lauren Kanarek?
A dressage rider who trained under Olympic equestrian Michael Barisone.
Q: When did the shooting happen?
August 2019 at Hawthorne Hill in New Jersey.
Q: Did Lauren Kanarek survive?
Yes, she survived after emergency surgery.
Q: What happened to Michael Barisone?
He was found not guilty by reason of insanity and spent time in psychiatric care.
Conclusion
The Lauren Kanarek shooting remains a major case in U.S. sports-related legal history, highlighting how professional disputes in high-pressure environments can escalate into violence. While both Kanarek and Barisone continue to present opposing perspectives, the incident has left a lasting impact on the equestrian community and public discourse around mental health and accountability.