Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Chief Troy Oswald announce that based upon an investigation by the Paterson Police Department, in conjunction with the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Ferreie Johnson, 22-years-old, from Paterson, was arrested last night in relation to a homicide that took place Mar. 31st outside of the D’Classico nightclub located at 58 Ellison Street in Paterson.
Authorities charged Johnson with Murder, first degree; Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree; and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, second degree.
According to police, on Mar. 31st at approximately 1:54 a.m., members of the Paterson Police Department responded to the area of 58 Ellison Street in Paterson in response to a Shotspotter activation.
Upon arrival, police located a 22-year-old male victim, Parker Sams from Garfield, in the parking lot adjacent to the D’Classico night club. Police said Sams had sustained an apparent gunshot wound, and he was transported to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson where he died from his wounds.
The investigation revealed that Johnson became involved in an altercation inside the nightclub, and that a short time later he exchanged gunfire with another group of individuals standing on the opposite end of the parking lot.
The investigation also revealed that Mr. Sams was not involved in the altercation and was killed in the crossfire as the club patrons were trying to return to their vehicles.
According to officials, Ferreie Johnson is scheduled for his First Appearance at Central Judicial Processing Court today at 1:30 p.m.
The State is filing a motion for the pretrial detention of the defendant which will be heard by a Superior Court Judge at a later date.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Despite the arrest of Johnson, law enforcement is still seeking to identify additional suspects and the investigation remains active and ongoing.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with additional information about this incident to contact us on our tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org, or to contact the Paterson Police Detective Bureau at 973-321-1120.