In court Monday, Joseph Morrison, 64, admitted he shot and killed his longtime girlfriend, Debi Mason, in their Mays Landing home, the Press of Atlantic City reports.

And when Superior Court Judge Michael Blee asked if he had any defense, Morrison's answer was succinct: "Stupidity."

He faces a recommended 18-year prison sentence, according to the report.

According to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, police came to the home in November of last year on a report of a victim with a gunshot wound. There, they found Mason, 52, shot in the chest.

Morrison was lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility and indicted in May on several charges, including murder.

Mason's youngest child has said the couple had argued earlier in the day, the Press reports.

Louis C. Hochman is digital managing editor for NJ1015.com. Reach him at louis.hochman@townsquaremedia.com or on Twitter @LouisCHochman.

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