Passaic County authorities said Mr. Jasmir Cleaves, 32, from Paterson, was arrested on August 6, with the homicide earlier that day at the YMCA located at 128 Ward Street.
Police said Mr. Cleaves is charged with Murder, first degree; two counts of Possession of a Knife for an Unlawful Purpose, third-degree; and two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Knife, fourth degree.
According to police, at approximately 12:09 p.m., members of the Paterson Police Department were dispatched to the YMCA in response to a report of a stabbing.
Upon arrival, officers located the victim, Gabrae Sams, 29, from Paterson, lying on the hallway floor with apparent stab wounds. Paterson Police Officers immediately began providing medical attention to the victim and requested an ambulance.
Mr. Sams was transported to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
The subsequent investigation revealed that Mr. Cleaves was the individual responsible for the murder of Mr. Sams. Mr. Cleaves was arrested at approximately 6:46 p.m., following an interview by the Paterson Police Department at Police Headquarters.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.