Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Chief Troy Oswald announce that that based upon an investigation by the Paterson Police Department, in conjunction with the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Mr. Virgil Thomas, 54 years old, from Paterson, was arrested in relation to the homicide which occurred yesterday at 143 Lexington Avenue in the City of Paterson.
According to a statement released by authorities, Mr. Thomas is charged with Murder, first degree; Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, third degree; and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, fourth degree.
Authorities say approximately 5:42 p.m. on December 28, 2018, police officers responded to 143 Lexington Avenue for reports of a person suffering a stab wound.
Upon their arrival, they located Christopher Jackson, 47-years-old from Paterson, who had suffered a stab wound.
Police say prior to the arrival of officers authorities say Jackson engaged in a verbal and physical altercation with his girlfriend.
Jackson was in the course of physically assaulting his girlfriend several of her family members tried to intervene, at which time Thomas retrieved a knife and stabbed Jackson in the back.
Jackson was transported to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead at approximately 7:15 p.m. according to police.
The investigation is still active and ongoing.
The State has filed motion for pretrial detention in this matter that will be heard by a Superior Court Judge at a date and time to be determined by the Court. A criminal complaint is merely an accusation.
Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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.