Arrest Made in Homicide of a Homeless Person in Paterson

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, Jamie Lopez, a 32- year-old homeless man, has been charged in connection to the February 28. 2026 homicide of a 32-year-old homeless person that occurred in the area of 140 Marshall Street, Paterson, New Jersey. Jamie Lopez 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 February 27, 2026, at approximately 1:21 p.m., members of the Paterson Police Department responded to the area of 140 Marshall Street in Paterson, New Jersey on a report of an unresponsive individual. When officers arrived on scene, they located the victim, a 32-year-old homeless individual inside a makeshift shelter with blunt force injuries to the back of the head. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. During the course of the investigation, detectives learned that Jamie Lopez struck the victim in the back of the head with a hammer. Jamie Lopez was arrested on February 28, 2026, without incident.

The State will file a motion for pretrial detention against Jamie Lopez 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.

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.