Berlin, NH in Mourning After Fatal Shooting of Marisol Fuentes; Estranged Husband Michael Gleason Arrested
Berlin, New Hampshire — A wave of sorrow, disbelief, and heartbreak has swept through the small, tight-knit community of Berlin following the arrest of Michael Gleason, 50, who is now facing charges in the fatal shooting of his estranged wife, Marisol Fuentes, outside their family-owned restaurant, La Casita, on Hillside Avenue.
The tragic incident occurred on the morning of Sunday, July 6, 2025, shattering the peaceful stillness of the weekend and plunging a beloved neighborhood gathering spot into the center of a devastating crime. According to officials with the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, State Police, and the Berlin Police Department, officers responded to emergency calls shortly after 9:00 a.m. reporting gunfire outside the restaurant.
When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered 45-year-old Marisol Fuentes suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Despite lifesaving efforts from first responders, Marisol was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities quickly identified her estranged husband, Michael Gleason, as the suspect and took him into custody without incident later that day. He has since been charged with second-degree murder.
According to preliminary investigative reports, the shooting appears to be the result of a domestic violence-related incident. The couple, though separated, continued to operate La Casita — a well-known and much-loved restaurant that had long served as a cornerstone of the Berlin dining community. Patrons remember the warm, welcoming atmosphere that Marisol worked so hard to create — a place where families gathered, locals celebrated birthdays, and visitors were treated like old friends.
News of Marisol’s death has left the community in shock. Friends, customers, and neighbors describe her as vibrant, hardworking, compassionate, and endlessly devoted to both her family and her business. Her radiant energy and fierce resilience were part of what made La Casita a treasured local institution.
“She was the soul of that place,” said one regular customer, fighting back tears. “It breaks my heart to think she’s gone. She gave so much to all of us.”
The couple’s relationship had reportedly been strained for some time, with close friends acknowledging signs of ongoing personal conflict. Despite those struggles, Marisol remained focused on her children, her customers, and her staff. The tragic culmination of that conflict now serves as yet another devastating reminder of the deadly consequences of domestic violence — even when the warning signs are known but go unspoken.
Investigators are continuing to gather evidence and conduct interviews. An autopsy performed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death as multiple gunshot wounds, and the manner of death has been ruled a homicide.
Michael Gleason appeared before a judge on Monday and is currently being held without bail pending a full legal proceeding. Prosecutors have indicated that they will pursue the case with the full weight of the law, citing both the severity of the crime and the urgent need to protect victims of domestic abuse.
As Berlin attempts to process the loss, community members have come together in grief and solidarity. Vigils are being organized outside La Casita, with flowers, candles, and handwritten notes placed on the sidewalk near the restaurant’s front door — now dark and silent. Local organizations, including domestic violence support groups, are using this moment to call attention to the resources available for those experiencing intimate partner violence.
Patti Greenfield, director of a local women’s advocacy shelter, issued a statement urging anyone who feels unsafe in their relationship to seek help: “We mourn the loss of Marisol Fuentes, and we also commit ourselves to ensuring that no more lives are lost to silence and fear. You are not alone. There is help. There is hope.”
Marisol leaves behind two children, extended family, friends, and a community that will not forget her passion, her kindness, or her beautiful spirit. Plans for a public memorial are underway, and a scholarship fund is being discussed in her name to honor her legacy and support local women entrepreneurs.
As Berlin grapples with grief, it also remembers — a woman who gave so much, who smiled through hardship, and whose light now lives on in the countless lives she touched.