By: Tracie Carter
Two Paterson men have been convicted of murder in connection with the 2021 shooting death of a woman who was sitting inside her vehicle outside her home.
According to information released by Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, a jury on October 6 found Jefersson Gonzalez, 25, and Elvis DeJesus, 29, both of Paterson, guilty of first-degree murder following a trial before Superior Court Judge Justine A. Niccollai.
Prosecutors said the case stemmed from the December 2, 2021, shooting death of Jasmin Wel, who was inside her vehicle outside her residence when she was shot.
During the trial, prosecutors presented testimony from investigators with the Paterson Police Department and Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, along with representatives from the New Jersey State Police Office of Forensic Sciences and the New Jersey Medical Examiner’s Office.
Jury selection began August 4, and after approximately three days of deliberations, jurors returned guilty verdicts against Gonzalez and DeJesus on murder, weapons and evidence-tampering charges.
A third defendant, Kristian Gonzalez, was acquitted of all charges.
The murder conviction carries a potential sentence ranging from 30 years to life in New Jersey State Prison.
Prosecutors said sentencing will take place before Judge Niccollai. The sentencing date listed in the prosecutor’s announcement appears to contain a date discrepancy.