Three men charged after investigators traced weapon to North Carolina
PATERSON, NJ – A gun allegedly purchased in North Carolina and brought into New Jersey became a key piece of evidence in a Paterson homicide investigation, with prosecutors saying ballistics linked the AK-47-style weapon to a shooting that killed a man near a crowded park last summer and ultimately led to charges against three men.
Kardan R. Ali-Delane, 21, of Elmwood Park, Javon S. Briggs, 21, of Paterson, and Ysad E. Sykes, 24, of Weldon, North Carolina, have been charged in connection with the case, the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office announced Friday.
Ali-Delane faces the most serious charge — first-degree murder — in connection with the July 12, 2025, killing.
The victim, identified in the indictment only as R.R., was shot multiple times near 86 Clinton Street in Paterson at approximately 10:42 p.m.
He was transported to a hospital and died later that night.
Dozens of rounds recovered after shooting
Investigators recovered 24 spent 7.62x39mm rounds, four spent 9mm rounds and two unspent 9mm rounds from the scene.
Witnesses reported that between 25 and 50 people were gathered in a nearby park when the gunfire erupted.
Two masked people wearing hoodies were allegedly seen running through nearby yards before and after the shooting, according to prosecutors. One was reportedly carrying an AK-47-style firearm.
Investigators also focused on a gray Honda Civic seen in the area. The vehicle was captured by an automated license plate reader before and after the shooting, authorities said.
The case took another turn on Aug. 19, 2025, when New Jersey State Police officers in Paterson allegedly saw Ali-Delane exit a gray Honda Civic carrying a rifle-style firearm before running down an alley.
Briggs was allegedly seen emerging from the same alley with a handgun.
Ali-Delane was apprehended after allegedly attempting to discard the firearm and flee, according to the Attorney General’s Office. Briggs was apprehended later.
Ballistics allegedly connect gun to homicide
The weapon recovered from Ali-Delane was identified as a Romanian Arms Draco assault pistol chambered in 7.62x39mm.
Ballistics testing determined it was one of two firearms used during the July 2025 homicide, prosecutors said.
Investigators allege Sykes purchased the weapon in North Carolina on June 18, 2025, less than a month before the Paterson shooting, and subsequently provided it to Ali-Delane.
Sykes is charged with first-degree strict liability for firearm trafficking violations.
All three defendants face conspiracy charges and a second-degree count of transporting firearms into New Jersey for unlawful sale or transfer.
Ali-Delane and Briggs also face first-degree robbery and fourth-degree aggravated assault charges.
Ali-Delane additionally faces charges including unlawful possession of an assault firearm and resisting arrest by flight.
Fentanyl and three more guns allegedly recovered
The investigation continued into this year.
Briggs was arrested March 9, when investigators also searched his residence.
Authorities said they recovered fentanyl and three firearms — two handguns and an assault firearm.
One of the handguns, a Glock 17, was determined to have been purchased in the same area of North Carolina in February 2024, according to prosecutors.
Briggs faces additional drug possession and possession with intent to distribute charges.
A murder conviction in New Jersey carries a potential sentence ranging from 30 years to life in prison.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Attorneys General Joseph Giordano and Christina Antonucci.
The charges and allegations against Ali-Delane, Briggs and Sykes are accusations. All three defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Three men have been charged in an investigation involving a July 2025 fatal shooting and alleged interstate firearms trafficking.
- Prosecutors say ballistics linked a Romanian Arms Draco recovered from Ali-Delane to the Paterson homicide.
- Investigators allege the firearm was purchased in North Carolina before being brought into New Jersey.
