Paterson, NJ – A 20-year-old man was killed and three others—including a child—were wounded when gunfire erupted near a backyard birthday party in Paterson on Saturday evening, and no arrests have been made as of April 19, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.
The shooting happened around 6:15 p.m. on April 18 near East 29th Street and 10th Avenue, an area officials have identified as a recurring trouble spot.
Gunfire erupts steps from children’s party
Witnesses said children celebrating a 13-year-old girl’s birthday ran for cover when two suspects jumped out of a vehicle and opened fire on a group walking along the street.
Authorities say the attackers used what were described as automatic weapons, sending bullets through a residential block filled with families during daylight hours.
A 20-year-old man from Oxford, New Jersey, was rushed to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
Three other victims were injured, including a young teen believed to be 12 or 13 years old.
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Key Points
• 20-year-old man killed in Paterson shooting near children’s birthday party
• Three others injured, including a young teen; two victims in critical condition
• No arrests reported as Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office investigates
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Victims all under 30 as community shaken
Officials said all four victims are under the age of 30, underscoring the youth impact of the violence.
Two of the injured victims remain in critical condition, while another is reported stable.
Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh called the shooting “disturbing,” pointing to both the age of the victims and the setting—just steps from a gathering of children.
Residents described a chaotic scene as gunfire broke out in what is typically a busy neighborhood, with families scrambling to get to safety.
No arrests as investigators search for suspects
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office is leading the investigation alongside Paterson police, but no suspects have been taken into custody.
Authorities have not released descriptions of the shooters or the vehicle involved, and a motive has not been publicly confirmed.
Investigators are asking for the public’s help in identifying those responsible, emphasizing the danger posed by the brazen nature of the attack.
Daylight violence raises concerns
The timing of the shooting—early evening in a residential area—has intensified concern among residents and local leaders.
Unlike late-night incidents, the presence of children and families outdoors has heightened fears about safety in the neighborhood.
The proximity to a birthday party has become a focal point of the incident, highlighting how quickly violence can spill into everyday community life.
Call for information
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.
Tips can be submitted to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office at 1-877-370-PCPO or to the Paterson Police Detective Bureau at 973-321-1120.
What happens next
As of Sunday, April 19, no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains active as officials work to identify and locate the shooters.
Authorities have not indicated a timeline for updates but say the case remains a priority given the severity of the violence and the number of victims.
