By: Richard L. Smith
Three men have been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a man in Paterson last summer and an alleged firearms trafficking operation that authorities say brought weapons from North Carolina into New Jersey.
According to a statement released by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, Kardan R. Ali-Delane, 21, of Elmwood Park, faces a first-degree murder charge in the July 12, 2025 shooting near 86 Clinton Street.
Authorities said Paterson Police responded to the area shortly after 10:40 p.m. and found a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
The victim, identified in the indictment only by the initials “R.R.,” was transported to a hospital, where he died later that night.
Investigators recovered more than two dozen spent rounds from the scene.
Witnesses reportedly saw two masked individuals running through nearby yards around the time of the shooting, with one allegedly carrying an AK-47-style weapon.
Ali-Delane, Javon S. Briggs, 21, of Paterson, and Ysad E. Sykes, 24, of Weldon, North Carolina, now face multiple charges stemming from the investigation, including allegations involving the illegal transportation and trafficking of firearms into New Jersey.
Ali-Delane and Briggs also face robbery and aggravated assault charges.
According to state officials, New Jersey State Police encountered Ali-Delane in Paterson on August 19, 2025, after allegedly seeing him exit a gray Honda Civic carrying a rifle-style firearm and run into an alley. He was later apprehended, and police recovered a Romanian Arms Draco assault pistol.
Ballistics testing later determined that the weapon was allegedly one of two firearms used in the July homicide, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
Investigators allege Sykes purchased the firearm in North Carolina in June 2025 before it ultimately reached Ali-Delane.
Briggs was arrested in March 2026. Authorities said a search of his residence resulted in the recovery of fentanyl and three additional firearms.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said the case highlights the state’s continued effort to target firearms illegally brought into New Jersey and allegedly used in violent crimes.