In the early hours of September 1, 2015, in Paterson, New Jersey, 21-year-old Zahmir C. Hayes was found inside a BMW X3 SUV at the intersection of 10th Avenue and East 22nd Street. He had sustained a fatal gunshot wound. Known to his loved ones as 'Zahdy,' Hayes was a father to a son, Ahzir. He was employed at Road Runner Trucking in North Arlington, a position he had held since 2011. His life was cut short in an act of violence that would lead to an intensive police investigation.
The investigation into the shooting death of Zahmir Hayes culminated in the arrest of 18-year-old Justin Ruiz. In January 2016, authorities announced that Ruiz had been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose in connection with Hayes's death.
The arrest was the result of a thorough investigation conducted by the Paterson Police Department in conjunction with the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office. At the time of his arrest, bail for Ruiz was set at $1 million.
Further details revealed that at the time of his death, Zahmir Hayes was himself a wanted person in connection with a 2013 shooting. Authorities had alleged that he shot at a group of people on North 4th Street, injuring one individual. Despite this, his death was mourned by his family and friends. Funeral services were held on September 10, 2015, at The Gilmore Tabernacle Look & Live Ministry in Paterson.
