By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Passaic County announced that Jose Martinez, 36, of Paterson, was sentenced on August 7, by the Honorable Sohail Mohammed, P.J.Cr ., to two terms of thirty (30) years in New Jersey State Prison without parole eligibility to be served concurrently.
Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes stated that Martinez was found guilty of two counts of Murder (First degree) on April 16, 2025, after a jury trial. The trial commenced on March 18th, 2025.
According to Passaic County officials, on April 16th, following approximately one day of jury deliberations, the Jury returned verdicts of guilty for Murder, Conspiracy to commit Murder, Aggravated Assault-Bodily Injury with a Deadly Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.
During the trial, the State presented evidence that on July 5, 2021, the defendant Jose Martinez and his co-defendant Francisco Martinez stabbed Jamie Hernandez, Johnny Jimenez, and Jeremiah Rivera in an altercation that took place outside the defendant’s home, PCPO officials stated.
Passaic County authorities said Hernandez and Jimenez both succumbed to their wounds.
The co-defendant, Francisco Martinez, pleaded guilty to Aggravated Manslaughter (First Degree) on May 20, 2025, in exchange for a sentencing recommendation from the State for 15 years in state prison, subject to the No Early Release Act, according to Passaic County officials. 
Passaic County officials say that Francisco Martinez is scheduled for sentencing before the Honorable Sohail Mohammed, P.J.Cr., on August 27.