This page explains who Mary Jo Buttafuoco is and her relationship to Amy Fisher, focusing on verifiable facts and context. Mary Jo Buttafuoco is the woman Amy Fisher shot in the face in 1992 after Fisher began an affair with Mary Jo’s husband, Joey Buttafuoco. The shooting brought national attention to the affair and its consequences. Below is a clear breakdown of key people, events, and timelines without speculation.
Key people involved
| Name | Relationship to Mary Jo Buttafuoco | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Joey Buttafuoco | Husband (married 1979–2003) | Court records, news reports |
| Amy Fisher | Former friend and Joey’s affair partner; shooter | Court transcripts, news archives |
| Mary Jo Buttafuoco | Shooting victim; public speaker and author | Interviews, books, public statements |
What happened: the incident and timeline
In 1992, Amy Fisher, then 17, entered Mary Jo Buttafuoco’s home in Wantagh, New York, and shot her in the face. Fisher stated she acted out of rage after learning her affair with Joey Buttafuoco had ended. Joey Buttafuoco was subsequently convicted of statutory rape for his relationship with Fisher, who was a minor at the time of the affair. Mary Jo underwent multiple surgeries to address her injuries and became a public advocate around gun safety and domestic issues.
Public narrative and media coverage
The case was widely covered as a shocking crime of passion and betrayal. Media attention focused on Amy Fisher’s youth, the affair, and the severe impact on Mary Jo’s life. Documentaries, books, and television programs revisited the case throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Mary Jo Buttafuoco has participated in interviews to share her recovery experience and perspective, emphasizing long-term physical and emotional effects.
Mary Jo Buttafuoco’s life since the shooting
- Underwent numerous reconstructive surgeries following the 1992 shooting.
- Co-authored a book detailing her experience and recovery.
- Spoke publicly about trauma, resilience, and gun safety awareness.
- Finalized her divorce from Joey Buttafuoco in 2003.
Summary and perspective
Mary Jo Buttafuoco is known as the shooting victim in a high-profile 1992 case involving her husband Joey Buttafuoco and Amy Fisher. Her subsequent public statements, medical journey, and legal outcomes are documented in court and media records. This explainer focuses on established facts to provide a durable reference.
FAQ
Reader questions
Was Mary Jo Buttafuoco married to Joey Buttafuoco at the time of the shooting?
Yes, Mary Jo and Joey Buttafuoco were married from 1979 until their divorce in 2003.
How has Mary Jo Buttafuoco spoken publicly about the incident?
She has given interviews, appeared in documentaries, and written a book describing her physical recovery and emotional journey.
What is the current status of her public presence?
Mary Jo Buttafuoco maintains a low public profile but has periodically shared reflections on recovery and advocacy; updated public statements are best sourced from verified interviews or her representatives.