On an evening in Paterson, New Jersey, the life of 27-year-old Tamir Blackwood was cut short by gunfire. The shooting occurred on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at approximately 8:06 p.m. outside of 675 East 25th Street. When police arrived at the scene near 14th Avenue, they found that two men had sustained gunshot wounds.
Both Blackwood and the second victim, 26-year-old Jessy Camilo, were transported to St. Joseph's University Medical Center for treatment. Tragically, Tamir Blackwood succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital. Camilo, who was reportedly taken to the hospital in a private vehicle, was listed in stable condition.
Born on October 29, 1992, Tamir was a lifelong resident of Paterson, though he had traveled back and forth to Jamaica during his youth. Known to his friends and family as 'Flock' or 'Ty,' he was described as the life of the party and a goofy individual who cherished spending time with his two daughters and his family.
He had attended School 13, School 25, and later Eastside High School, and was employed by Burlington and two construction companies.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office and the Paterson Police Department announced that an investigation into the incident was active and ongoing. Authorities at the time did not release information regarding any potential suspects or arrests. The shooting was part of a wave of violence that had struck the city, with a total of eight people being shot in the days leading up to and including the incident that claimed Blackwood's life. The investigation into his death continues.
