In the late morning of a Sunday in May 2024, the life of a well-known Paterson, New Jersey, man was tragically cut short. Daryle Robinson, a 62-year-old Black male, was at the intersection of Broadway and East 24th Street at approximately 10:22 a.m. on May 5th when he was shot multiple times. Emergency services responded to the scene and transported Robinson to St. Joseph's University Medical Center for treatment of his severe injuries.
He fought for his life for two days before succumbing to his wounds on Tuesday, May 7th.
The news of Robinson's death sent ripples of shock and sorrow through the Paterson community. He was a familiar and beloved figure, known for being a popular street vendor who sold movies, clothes, and CDs just a couple of blocks from where the shooting occurred. Friends and acquaintances remembered him as an 'honest, respectable, and loving' man who was always ready to offer advice and empathy. His sudden and violent death left many who knew him heartbroken, with one friend describing himself as 'kinda broken' upon hearing the news. Another friend mentioned that they had recently made plans to go into business together.
The investigation into the shooting quickly identified a suspect. Five days after the incident, on May 10, 2024, 39-year-old Jimmy Mercedes of Paterson surrendered to the police. Authorities charged him with first-degree murder and several weapons offenses, including unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
In August 2025, a jury found Jimmy Mercedes guilty on all charges. The evidence presented during the trial included surveillance video that captured parts of the events leading up to and following the shooting. In October 2025, Mercedes was sentenced to a total of 50 years in prison for the murder of Daryle Robinson. He will be required to serve at least 38 and a half years before he is eligible for parole. Following the conviction, Robinson's daughter expressed that while nothing could bring her father back, the verdict was a step toward healing and that there was peace in knowing his life and story mattered.
