By: Richard L. Smith
Passaic County officials announced that two men have been charged in connection with a shooting that occurred earlier this year in Paterson.
Following an investigation by the Paterson Police Department Shooting Investigation Unit, authorities charged Francisco Bello-Amaro, 31, of the Bronx, New York, and Ronald Rosario, 26, of Paterson, New Jersey, in connection with the January 19, 2025 shooting near Madison Avenue and Ellison Street.
Bello-Amaro was charged with first-degree attempted murder, third-degree aggravated assault, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
Rosario was charged with first-degree attempted murder, third-degree hindering apprehension, and fourth-degree obstruction.
Police responded to the area of Madison Avenue and Ellison Street at approximately 4:20 a.m. on January 19, 2025, after receiving reports of a shooting.
Officers located a 23-year-old male victim from Paterson who refused medical treatment. A potential crime scene was identified nearby.
The investigation later determined that Bello-Amaro and Rosario were responsible for the shooting. Rosario was arrested without incident on February 3, 2025, at the Paterson Police Department.
On January 22, 2026, Bello-Amaro was arrested without incident in the Bronx by the United States Marshals Service.
The case remains under active prosecution.
Authorities emphasized that all charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.