On a grim November evening in 2020, the city of Paterson, New Jersey, bore witness to a tragedy that would leave a lasting mark on the community. In the fading light of November 25th, a 58-year-old Black / African American woman named Diane Jackson was found lying on the sidewalk in front of 297 Van Houten Street. The chilling discovery was made at approximately 9:22 p.m.
by police officers who were responding to a report of shots fired in the area.
Upon their arrival, the officers were met with a harrowing scene. Jackson had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and had already succumbed to her injuries. Medical personnel who were called to the location pronounced her deceased at the scene, her life tragically cut short. The sudden and violent nature of her death sent ripples of shock and sorrow through her neighborhood and beyond.
In the aftermath of the discovery, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office and the Paterson Police Department launched a joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death, which was being treated as a homicide. Despite their concerted efforts to piece together the events of that fateful night, details regarding any potential suspects or arrests in connection with the shooting have remained scarce. Authorities have made public appeals for anyone with information to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation. As of now, the case remains an open and active inquiry, with law enforcement continuing to seek leads that could bring a measure of justice for Diane Jackson and her grieving loved ones. The community remains hopeful that those responsible for her untimely death will be identified and held accountable.
