In the late afternoon of a Monday in February, tragedy struck on a busy street in Paterson, New Jersey. Divan Ernesto Tejeda, a 23-year-old male from the neighboring city of Clifton, was found lying in the roadway on Market Street near the Bonfire banquet hall. It was around 4:30 p.m. on February 21, 2022, and Tejeda had sustained apparent gunshot wounds.
The incident marked the city's fifth homicide of the year.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene and provided immediate medical aid to Tejeda. He was then quickly transported to Saint Joseph's University Medical Center for further treatment. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Divan Tejeda succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. The shooting unfolded in broad daylight, sending shockwaves through the local community and highlighting ongoing concerns about violence in the city.
The Passaic County Prosecutor's Office, along with the Paterson Police Detective Bureau, launched an active investigation into the fatal shooting. Authorities appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the apprehension of those responsible for Tejeda's death. In the immediate aftermath, police indicated they were searching for a black Dodge Charger that may have been connected to the incident. However, as of now, no arrests have been announced, and no suspects have been publicly identified in the shooting death of Divan Tejeda. The investigation remains ongoing as his family and community await answers.
