Duwan Gales
Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Department Officer-In-Charge Patrick Murray announce that based upon an investigation by the Paterson Police
Department, in conjunction with the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Duwan Gales, a 72-year-old male from Paterson, has been charged in connection to the May 6, 2025 homicide which
occurred in the area of Cianci Street and Market Street in Paterson. Duwan Gales is charged with
the crimes of Murder, first degree; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, fourth degree; and
Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, third degree.
On May 6, 2025, at approximately 2:18 p.m., members of the Paterson Police Department were
dispatched to a residence in the area of Cianci Street and Market Street in Paterson, New Jersey
on a report of a stabbing. When officers arrived on scene, they discovered the victim, a 70-year-old female from Paterson, inside the residence with multiple stab wounds. She was pronounced
deceased on scene. The subsequent investigation resulted in the identification of Duwan Gales as
the individual involved in the fatal stabbing.
Duwan Gales was taken into custody on May 8, 2025, without incident. He is currently in
custody awaiting his first appearance at Central Judicial Processing on these charges. The
Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office will file a motion for pre-trial detention which will be heard
by a Superior Court Judge at a date and time to be determined by the Court.
Murder has a sentencing range from a minimum of 30 years up to life imprisonment; Possession
of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Third Degree) carries a sentencing range between 5 and
10 years in prison; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Fourth Degree) has a sentencing range of
up to 18 months 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 or contact
the Paterson Police Detective Bureau at 973-321-1120.
