Passaic County Officials announced that charges have been filed against Ms. Iris Tolentino, 46-years-old from Paterson, in connection to the homicide that took place today at 96 North 6th Street.
According to police, at approximately 7:04 a.m., members of the Paterson Police Department were dispatched to 96 North 6th Street, 3rd floor in response to a report of a stabbing.
Upon their arrival, officers located a 7-year-old male, a 15-year-old male, and a 17-year-old male, inside the residence.
Police say the 17-year-old had suffered a stab wound to his upper arm, and was holding the bathroom door closed when officers arrived inside the apartment.
The 15-year-old was also inside the apartment and was uninjured, however 7-year-old had suffered numerous stab wounds and was unresponsive.
According to police, the 7-year-old and 17-year-old were immediately transported to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center for treatment. Tolentino resisted arrest as the officers tried to take her into custody, with two officers suffering minor injuries.
The investigation revealed that all three of the boys were brothers and that Tolentino had stabbed two of her sons before she was able to be restrained prior to the arrival of the police.
Police say the 7-year-old child was pronounced deceased upon arrival at the hospital, and the 17-year-old was treated for his wounds and released a short time later. Once she was taken into custody,
Tolentino was transported to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center for a mental health screening where she was admitted under law enforcement supervision pending an evaluation.
Police said Tolentino has been charged with Murder, First degree; Attempted Murder, First degree; Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Third degree; Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Fourth degree; two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a child, Second Degree; Resisting Arrest, Third degree; and two counts of Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Third degree.
Upon her discharge from the hospital she will be processed on the outstanding complaint. The State will file a motion for pre-trial detention which will be held at a future date and time before a Superior Court Judge.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office on our tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org or contact the Paterson Police Detective Bureau at 973-321-1120