Daquann Barnes
Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Department Officer-In-Charge Isa Abbassi announce that based upon an investigation by the Paterson Police Department, in conjunction with the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Daquann Barnes, a 37- year-old male from Paterson, has been charged in connection to the August 31, 2024 homicide which occurred in the area of Ellison Street and Auburn Street in Paterson. Daquann Barnes is charged with Murder, first degree; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, second degree; Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree; and Certain Persons Not to Possess Weapons, second degree.
On August 31, 2024, at approximately 2:47 a.m., officers from the Paterson Police Department were dispatched to the area of Auburn Street and Ellison Street in Paterson in response to a ShotSpotter activation. Upon their arrival, officers discovered Raheem Porter, a 41-year-old male from Paterson, with gunshot wounds lying face down. The victim was transported to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. The subsequent investigation resulted in the identification of Daquann Barnes as the shooter.
Daquann Barnes was arrested on September 2, 2024, without incident. The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office will file a motion for pre-trial detention which will be heard by a Superior Court Judge at a date and time to be determined by the Court.
Murder has a sentencing range from a minimum of 30 years up to life imprisonment; the crimes of Possession of a Handgun for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree), Unlawful Possession of a Handgun (Second Degree), and Certain Persons Not to Possess Weapons (Second Degree) each have a sentencing range of 5 to 10 years in prison.
Criminal complaints are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation remains active and ongoing. More information will be released when it becomes available.
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.