In the late hours of a Monday night in Paterson, New Jersey, the life of Nadir Hakim Johnson, a 35-year-old Black/African American man from Covington, Georgia, was tragically cut short. On July 26, 2021, at approximately 11 p.m., police responded to reports of a shooting and discovered Johnson lying on the sidewalk in front of 216 17th Avenue. He was suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
Emergency services arrived at the scene, and Johnson was rushed to Saint Joseph's Medical Center. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. His death marked the 17th homicide in the city of Paterson for that year. The corner of East 28th Street and 17th Avenue, where the incident occurred, had a reputation among local residents as a troubled area known for drug activity, loud music, and large gatherings.
This location had been the scene of two other non-fatal shootings in the eight months prior to Johnson's death.
The Passaic County Prosecutor's Office has classified the case as a homicide and is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. At this time, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified. Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding the death of Nadir Hakim Johnson to come forward and contact the Paterson Police Detective Bureau or the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office. The investigation into his death remains ongoing as his family and community await answers.
