By: Richard L. Smith
According to information released by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, a 17-year-old Paterson resident has been taken into custody in connection with the fatal shooting of 42-year-old Rulsy Mata Sosa on May 11, 2025.
Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Officer-In-Charge Patrick Murray announced that the juvenile is facing multiple charges related to the deadly incident, which occurred near the intersection of Rosa Parks Boulevard and Lafayette Street.
The teen has been charged with acts of juvenile delinquency that, if committed by an adult, would constitute Felony Murder, Murder, and Robbery—all first-degree offenses—along with second-degree Conspiracy to Commit Robbery.
Paterson police officers responded to the area shortly after 6:30 p.m. on May 11 following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they located the victim, who had sustained a gunshot wound.
Sosa, a Paterson resident, was transported to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators determined that three individuals approached the victim and attempted to steal his gold chain.
During the confrontation, one of the suspects fired a weapon, striking Sosa.
The juvenile suspect was identified as one of the individuals involved in the attempted robbery and was arrested without incident on June 6.
He remains in custody while court proceedings continue.
The charges have been filed in the Juvenile Part of the Passaic County Family Court. As with all juvenile complaints, the charges are accusations, and the teen is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Authorities noted that the investigation into the homicide remains ongoing.
