Jean Romelus
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, Jean Romelus, a 29-year-old male from Asbury Park, New Jersey, has been charged in connection to the October 22,
2025 fatal stabbing that occurred in the area of Market Street and Veterans Place in Paterson,
New Jersey. Jean Romelus is charged with Murder, first degree; Unlawful Possession of a
Weapon, fourth degree; and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, third degree.
On October 22, 2025, at approximately 2:21 p.m., members of the Paterson Police Department
responded to the area of Market Street and Veterans Place in Paterson, New Jersey on a reported
stabbing. When officers arrived on scene, they located the victim, William Davis, a 38-year-old
male from Paterson, New Jersey, lying on the sidewalk with multiple stab wounds. The victim
was transported to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center where he was subsequently
pronounced deceased. During the course of the investigation, detectives learned that Jean
Romelus stabbed the victim. He was arrested on October 28, 2025, without incident.
The State will file a motion for pretrial detention against Jean Romelus 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 crime of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, fourth degree, carries a maximum
of 18 months in prison. Third Degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose has a
sentencing range of 3 to 5 years in prison.
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.
