By: Richard L. Smith
A Paterson man has been arrested and charged in connection with a deadly New Year’s Day shooting that left one man dead and another wounded, according to a statement released by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Department Officer-in-Charge Patrick Murray announced that 41-year-old David Lawrence of Paterson has been charged following a joint investigation conducted by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office and the Paterson Police Department.
Lawrence faces charges of first-degree murder, first-degree conspiracy to commit murder, first-degree attempted murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
The charges stem from a shooting that occurred at approximately 7:04 a.m. on January 1, 2026, in the area of Market Street and Memorial Drive in Paterson.
Responding officers found two men suffering from gunshot wounds.
Both victims were transported to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center. A 36-year-old Paterson man died from his injuries, while a 55-year-old Paterson man was treated and later released from the hospital.
Investigators determined that Lawrence was responsible for the shooting, authorities said.
Lawrence was taken into custody without incident on August 5, 2026. Prosecutors have indicated they will seek to have him detained pending trial.
A detention hearing will be scheduled before a Superior Court judge at a later date.