PATERSON, N.J. — Three men have been indicted in connection with a fatal Paterson shooting that investigators say was tied to an interstate gun trafficking operation that brought illegal firearms into New Jersey.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice announced the charges Friday against Kardan R. Ali-Delane, 21, of Elmwood Park; Javon S. Briggs, 21, of Paterson; and Ysad E. Sykes, 24, of Weldon, North Carolina.
According to the indictment, the charges stem from the July 12, 2025, fatal shooting of a man identified only as “R.R.” near 86 Clinton Street in Paterson.
Police responded to the area at approximately 10:42 p.m. and found the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He later died at a hospital.
Investigators recovered 24 spent 7.62x39mm shell casings, four spent 9mm shell casings and two unspent 9mm rounds from the scene. Witnesses reported seeing two masked individuals wearing hooded sweatshirts fleeing through nearby yards, with one allegedly carrying an AK-47-style firearm.
Authorities also identified a gray Honda Civic that was captured by automated license plate readers before and after the shooting.
According to prosecutors, New Jersey State Police encountered the same Honda Civic in Paterson on August 19, 2025. Troopers allegedly saw Ali-Delane exit the vehicle carrying a rifle-style firearm before attempting to flee down an alley, while Briggs allegedly emerged carrying a handgun.
Investigators said Ali-Delane was arrested after allegedly attempting to discard the firearm while fleeing. Briggs was also taken into custody.
Ballistics testing later determined the seized Romanian Arms Draco assault pistol chambered in 7.62x39mm was one of the firearms used in the fatal Clinton Street shooting, according to prosecutors.
Authorities allege the firearm had been legally purchased by Sykes in North Carolina on June 18, 2025, before being trafficked into New Jersey and provided to Ali-Delane.
The investigation also led detectives to Briggs’ residence on March 9, where authorities recovered fentanyl, two handguns and an assault firearm. Prosecutors said one of the recovered handguns, a Glock 17, had also been purchased in the same region of North Carolina.
Ali-Delane is charged with first-degree murder, first-degree conspiracy, unlawful possession of an assault firearm, resisting arrest by flight and other offenses.
Briggs and Sykes are charged with conspiracy and transporting firearms into New Jersey for unlawful sale or transfer. Sykes also faces a first-degree strict liability firearm trafficking charge. Briggs additionally faces robbery, aggravated assault and drug distribution offenses.
Attorney General Davenport said the case reflects New Jersey’s continued effort to combat illegal firearm trafficking.
“Our office has no tolerance for illegally trafficking or possessing firearms in New Jersey,” Davenport said. “As alleged in this case, guns purchased out of state were trafficked into New Jersey where they were used to commit acts of violence.”
Division of Criminal Justice Director Theresa L. Hilton added, “Weapons like those described in the indictment have no place on our streets, and we are working with our law enforcement partners to keep New Jerseyans safe from this kind of violence.”
- Three men were indicted in connection with a July 2025 Paterson homicide.
- Prosecutors allege firearms were trafficked from North Carolina into New Jersey.
- Ballistics linked a seized Romanian Arms Draco pistol to the fatal shooting.
- Investigators also recovered fentanyl and multiple firearms during the investigation.
- The murder victim died after being shot near Clinton Street in Paterson.
The case underscores New Jersey’s continued focus on disrupting interstate firearm trafficking networks, which prosecutors say contribute to violent crime by supplying illegal weapons that are later used in shootings throughout the state.
FAQ
Who was indicted?
Kardan R. Ali-Delane of Elmwood Park, Javon S. Briggs of Paterson, and Ysad E. Sykes of Weldon, North Carolina.
What happened?
The defendants are accused in connection with the July 12, 2025, fatal shooting of a man near Clinton Street in Paterson.
How are the firearms connected?
Prosecutors allege a Romanian Arms Draco assault pistol purchased in North Carolina was trafficked into New Jersey and later used in the homicide.
What additional evidence was recovered?
Authorities said detectives recovered fentanyl and multiple firearms during the execution of a search warrant connected to the investigation.
Have the defendants been convicted?
No. The indictment contains allegations only, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Sources: New Jersey Attorney General’s Office; New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice; New Jersey State Police
