Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Acting Paterson Police Chief Bert Ribeiro
announce that a 15-year-old male from Paterson has been charged in connection to the February
17, 2023 homicide which occurred in the area of 147 Park Avenue. The juvenile is charged with
acts of juvenile delinquency that would constitute the crimes of Murder, first degree; Aggravated
Assault, second degree; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, fourth degree; and Possession of a
Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree, if he were an adult.
On February 17, 2023, at approximately 3:00 p.m., police officers responded to the area of 147
Park Avenue, Eastside High School, in the City of Paterson in response to a reported stabbing.
Upon their arrival, officers located two juveniles, a 14-year-old male and a 16-year-old male,
with apparent stab wounds outside the property of the school. Both juveniles were transported to
Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center where the 14-year-old juvenile was subsequently
pronounced deceased. The 16-year old victim was treated for non-life threatening injuries and
later released. The subsequent investigation resulted in the identification of the 15-year old as
the individual who committed the stabbing. The suspect was taken into custody this afternoon
without incident and is currently detained pending further court proceedings.
A juvenile delinquency complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the juvenile
is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The matter has
been referred to the Passaic County Family Court, Juvenile Part, for further proceedings.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with additional information about this
incident to contact us on our tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org or contact
the Paterson Police Detective Bureau at 973-321-1120.
