Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Chief Ibrahim Baycora announce that on Saturday Mr. Donqua Thomas, 30, from Paterson, was arrested in connection to the homicide that took place on October 29, on Christina Place in Paterson. Thomas was charged with Murder, first degree; Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Second degree; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, second degree; and Certain Persons not to have Weapons, second degree.
Police say at approximately 1:37 p.m., police officers responded to the area of 5 Christina Place in the City of Paterson in response to a report of a shooting.
Upon their arrival, the officers discovered one female victim, 31-year-old R.L., who had suffered apparent gunshot wounds. R.L. was 8 months pregnant, and was transported to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center for emergency treatment.
While at the hospital, R.L. delivered her child, however, she succumbed to her wounds and was pronounced deceased shortly after delivering her child.
The baby is healthy and currently admitted in stable condition.
The subsequent investigation revealed that Thomas parked in a vehicle near the victim’s residence over an hour and a half before she arrived.
Upon her arrival, she parked next to Thomas, exited her car and moments later Thomas shot her several times and drove off.
Thomas surrendered himself without incident at Paterson Police headquarters earlier this afternoon.
The crime of Murder has a sentencing range from a minimum of 30 years up to life imprisonment, the crimes of Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, Unlawful possession of a weapon, and Certain persons not to have weapons have a sentencing range of 5 to 10 years in prison.
The State intends to file a motion for pre-trial detention which will be held at a future date and time to be determined by the Court.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office on their tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org or contact the Paterson Police Detective Bureau at 973-321-1120.