David Lawrence
Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Department Officer-In-Charge Patrick Murray announce that based upon an investigation by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, in conjunction with the Paterson Police Department, David Lawrence, a 41- year-old man from Paterson, has been charged in connection to the January 1, 2026 homicide that occurred in the area of Market Street and Memorial Drive in Paterson. David Lawrence is charged with Murder, first degree; Conspiracy to Commit Murder, first degree; Attempted Murder, first degree; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, second degree; and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree.
On January 1, 2026, at approximately 7:04 a.m., members of the Paterson Police Department responded to the area of Market Street and Memorial Drive on a report of shots fired. When officers arrived, they found two men with gunshot wounds. The victims were transported to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center. The first victim, a 36-year-old male from Paterson, was pronounced deceased. The second victim, a 55-year-old male from Paterson, was treated for his injuries and released. Based on the investigation, it was determined that David Lawrence was the shooter.
David Lawrence was arrested on August 5, 2026, without incident. The State will file a motion for pretrial detention against David Lawrence which will be heard by a Superior Court judge at a date and time to be determined by the court.
The crime of Murder has a sentencing range from a minimum of 30 years up to life imprisonment; the crimes of Conspiracy to Commit Murder and Attempted Murder have a sentencing range between 10 and 20 years in prison; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, second degree and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree, have a sentencing range of 5 to 10 years in prison.
Criminal complaints are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation remains active and ongoing. More information will be released when 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; submit an anonymous tip via our website at https://pcponj.opsnetwork.org/tips; or contact the Paterson Police Detective Bureau at 973-321-1120.