PATERSON, NJ – Dashawn A. Rhoden, 22-years old, from Paterson, was arrested on December 30, 2021, in relation to the homicide that took place on July 3, 2021, at 159 Franklin Street in Paterson, New Jersey. Mr. Rhoden is charged with Murder, first degree; Conspiracy to Commit Murder, first degree; Possession of a Handgun for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree; and Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, second degree.
At approximately 10:02 p.m. on Saturday, July 3, 2021, members of the Paterson Police Department were dispatched to 159 Franklin Street in Paterson, New Jersey in response to a report of shots fired. Upon their arrival, officers located Juan Garcia, 28-years-old from Paterson lying on the sidewalk with apparent gunshot wounds. Paterson Police Officers immediately began providing medical attention to the victim and requested an ambulance. Upon the arrival of medical personnel, Mr. Garcia succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The subsequent investigation revealed that Rhoden, along with Jeremiah Rosado and Imeir Tucker were the individuals responsible for the murder of Mr. Garcia. Rhoden was charged with murder and the weapons offenses while a fugitive, and he was arrested without incident on the outstanding arrest warrant on Thursday, December 30, 2021, during a motor vehicle stop on Route 46 West by the Elmwood Park Police Department, at approximately 3:58 p.m. Mr. Rosado was previously arrested on July 8, 2021 by the Paterson Police Department, and Mr. Tucker was previously arrested on July 6, 2021, by the Paterson Police Department. The crime of Murder has a sentencing range from a minimum of 30 years up to life imprisonment; the crime of Conspiracy to Commit Murder has a sentencing range from a minimum of 10 years up to 20 years in prison; the crimes of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, second degree, both have a sentencing range of 5 to 10 years in prison with 42 months to be served before parole eligibility.
The State has filed a motion for pretrial detention that will be heard by a Superior Court Judge. A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite these accusations, a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The investigation remains active and ongoing. More information will be released once it becomes available. 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. For media inquiries concerning this case, contact Senior Assistant Prosecutor In-Charge Jorge E. Morales of the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office at jmorales@passaiccountynj.org or at (973) 837-7706.