By: Richard L. Smith
A 32-year-old man has been charged in connection with the killing of another homeless man in Paterson last week, authorities announced.
According to a statement released by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Jamie Lopez, 32, who is also homeless, faces first-degree murder, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon in connection with the February 28, 2026 homicide.
Police were dispatched around 1:21 p.m. on February 27 to the area of 140 Marshall Street after receiving a report of an unresponsive person.
When officers arrived, they found a 32-year-old homeless man inside a makeshift shelter suffering from blunt force trauma to the back of his head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators later determined that Lopez allegedly struck the victim in the head with a hammer, officials said.
Lopez was taken into custody on February 28 without incident.
Prosecutors indicated they will seek pretrial detention.
If convicted on the murder charge, Lopez faces a sentence ranging from 30 years to life in state prison.
The weapons offenses carry additional potential penalties.
The investigation remains ongoing.