Former Firefighter Accused of Crossing Eight States in Chilling Plan Targeting Ex-Girlfriend’s Family

A former firefighter allegedly drove 500 miles across eight states in a plan to kill his ex-girlfriend after she ended their relationship. He was armed and intended to target not only the woman, but also her family, according to authorities. Police in New Jersey arrested him.

Brian Lanzim, 37, a former firefighter, allegedly drove from Maine to New Jersey to kill his ex-girlfriend who broke up with him over FaceTime. Following the breakup, Lanzim, traveled through eight states with two guns and a bulletproof vest to allegedly murder the woman, who is also the mother of his children.

Lanzim was arrested in South Toms River, New Jersey, and is being held at Ocean County Jail pending trial. During the preliminary hearing Judge Pamela M. Snyder said the allegations against Lanzim were “extremely concerning” and “extremely violent in nature.”

Lanzim had worked as a firefighter and EMT for 18 years and had recently moved to Maine for a job. Authorities said the woman ended the relationship during a FaceTime call, during which she heard what sounded like a gun being cocked. She warned Lanzim she would contact authorities, but he allegedly responded, “No, you’re not. You wouldn’t do that to me.” She then hung up and sought a restraining order. Lanzim later sent a series of unsettling text messages after his calls went unanswered.

One message read, “If you stand between my kids and me, I am going to do what I need to do,” according to a probable cause affidavit. Another message read, “If your father is there, I will have to take him out.”

Authorities said officers shot and wounded Lanzim after he allegedly drove his SUV toward them while attempting to reach his ex-girlfriend’s home. He was taken into custody after being non-fatally shot. The intended victims were not present and had already fled.

Lanzim has been charged with attempted murder, home invasion, burglary, making terrorist threats, weapons offenses and 22 counts related to large-capacity ammunition magazines.

During the hearing, Assistant Prosecutor Mara Barter said, “He was ready for war.” She said, “He armed himself with two firearms. He armed himself with a bulletproof vest. He had 15 large capacity magazines in his trunk.” Prosecutors said he intended to kill his ex-girlfriend in an effort to gain custody of his children.

Barter also said Lanzim had been “spiraling out of control” since March, when he lost the job that brought him to Maine. His defense attorney argued that Lanzim has bipolar symptoms and is receiving medical treatment.