Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, Paterson Police Department Officer-In-Charge
Patrick Murray, and Paterson Fire Chief Alex Alicea announce that on October 31, 2025, at
approximately 9:50 p.m., the Paterson Police Department and Paterson Fire Department received
reports of a residential fire at 15 Emerson Avenue in Paterson. Members of the Paterson Fire
Department stabilized the structure fire. Five individuals were located inside: a 39-year-old male,
a 38-year-old female, and 3 minor children aged 14 years, 12 years and 7 years. The victims
were pronounced deceased at the scene.
This investigation is 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.