Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Totowa Police Chief Robert Coyle announce that based upon an investigation by the Totowa Police Department, in conjunction with the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Damien Edwards, 33, from Totowa, was arrested early this morning in relation to a homicide that took place outside of the Quick Check convenience store located at 79 Union Boulevard in Totowa.
Police charged Mr. Edwards with with first degree Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, third degree; and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, fourth degree.
According to police, at approximately 3:30, a.m. on May 20, 2018, an on duty Totowa Police officer was at the Quick Check convenience store and observed Mr. Edwards attack the victim, Justin Parker, 35, from Paterson, outside of the entrance to the store.
The officer immediately called in the assault in progress and attempted to take Mr. Edwards into custody.
Mr. Edwards fled the scene but was apprehended a short distance away by assisting patrol units.
Police say Mr. Parker suffered apparent stab wounds to the torso, and was pronounced deceased at the scene at approximately 4:00 a.m.
Damien Edwards is scheduled to appear at Central Judicial Processing on May 21, 2018 at 1:30, p.m. The State will file a motion for pretrial detention in this matter that will be heard by a Superior Court Judge according to police.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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 contact the Totowa Police Department at 973-790-3700.