Passaic County officials announce that based upon an investigation by the Paterson Police Department, in conjunction with the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, Joseph Shoulars, 22, and Anthony Powell, 24, both of Paterson, were arrested on May 12 and May 17, respectively, in connection to the homicide which occurred on May 3, in the area of Fair and Auburn Streets in Paterson.
According to county officials, Mr. Shoulars was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon and Hindering Apprehension. Mr. Powell was charged with Murder under accomplice liability.
Officials said that on Tuesday, May 3, at approximately 9:16 p.m., members of the Paterson Police Department were dispatched to the intersection of Fair Street and Auburn Street in Paterson in response to a report of a shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Nasir Davis, 26-years-old from Paterson, lying within a vehicle with apparent gunshot wounds.
According to officials, Mr. Davis was immediately transported to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased.
The subsequent investigation revealed that the shooting was a coordinated attack and that Powell was involved in the planning and execution of the shooting along with another individual who fired the weapon.
County officials said that Shoulars then assisted in the cover-up following the shooting by arriving at the scene and removing the murder weapon.
Powell and Shoulars are currently in custody at the Passaic County Jail. The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office filed motions for the pre-trial detention for both defendants which were granted by a Superior Court Judge.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
More information will be released once it becomes available.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with additional information about this incident to contact them on their tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org or contact the Paterson Police Detective Bureau at 973-321-1120.