Passaic County authorities said Mr. Jaquawn Housey, 33, of Paterson, was arrested on February 7, in relation to the homicide on February 4, at 285 Van Houten Street in Paterson.
At approximately 11:20 p.m. on Friday, February 4, 2022, members of the Paterson Police Department were dispatched to the area of 285 Van Houten Street in Paterson, New Jersey, in response to shots fired.
Upon arrival, officers located Rodney Phelps, 39, from Washington Township, lying on the roadway in front of that address with apparent gunshot wounds.
Medical personnel arrived and Mr. Phelps was pronounced deceased on scene.
The subsequent investigation revealed that Mr. Housey was responsible for the murder of Mr. Phelps.
Officials said Mr. Housey was arrested on February 7, 2022, at approximately 11:05 a.m. by members of the Paterson Police Department and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office at his residence in Paterson without incident.
Police said Mr. Housey is charged with Murder, first degree; Possession of a Handgun for an Unlawful Purpose, second degree; and Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, second degree.
The State has filed a motion for pretrial detention that a Superior Court Judge will hear.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite these accusations, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.