Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Chief Troy Oswald announce that based on an investigation by the Paterson Police Department, in conjunction with the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Tysheik J. Williams, 26, from West Milford; Ashair Wilson, 22, from Paterson; and Yasmany Almodovar, 19, also from Paterson; were arrested Thursday in relation to the homicide which occurred on Wednesday, December 19, in front of 233 16th Avenue in the City of Paterson.
According to police, at approximately 7:10 p.m., police officers responded to the area of 233 16th Avenue in the City of Paterson on a report of a shooting.
Upon their arrival they located Leexandre Torres, 23, from Paterson, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police say prior to the arrival of police, two groups of individuals engaged in a verbal and physical altercation where during the incident, various individuals, including Williams and Wilson, took out handguns and opened fire.
Police say the shooting resulted in the death of Mr. Torres, and a non-fatal gunshot wound to a 24-year-old Paterson resident who was driven to Saint Joseph’s Medical Center in Paterson where he was treated and released.
Police charged Mr. Williams and Mr. Wilson with Murder, first degree; two counts of Attempted Murder, first degree; Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree; Possession of a Community Handgun, second degree; and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, second degree.
Police charged Mr. Almodovar with Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree; Possession of a Community Handgun, second degree; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, second degree; and Hindering Prosecution, third degree.
The State has filed motions 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.
The investigation is still active and ongoing.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are 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.