32-Year-Old Discovered Unresponsive Inside Tent; Prosecutor Seeks Public’s Help As Investigation Intensifies
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 7:45 A.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
PATERSON, NJ.- A 32-year-old homeless man was found beaten to death Thursday afternoon inside a tent in the City of Paterson, prompting an active homicide investigation by county and local authorities.
Camelia M. Valdes, Passaic County Prosecutor, and Patrick Murray, Officer-In-Charge of the Paterson Police Department, announced that on February 27, 2026, at approximately 1:21 p.m., members of the Paterson Police Department were dispatched to the area of 140 Marshall Street on a report of an unresponsive male.
Upon arrival, Police Officers located a man inside a tent situated near the address. Authorities stated the man sustained a severe injury to the back of his head. Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene, but the victim was pronounced deceased at the location.
Officials have not publicly identified the victim pending notification of next of kin.
Active And Ongoing Investigation;
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the investigation remains active and ongoing. No arrests have been announced as of publication, and authorities have not disclosed whether a weapon has been recovered or if there are known suspects.
Investigators are working to determine the circumstances leading up to the man’s death, including the timeline of events, possible witnesses in the area, and whether the attack was targeted or random.
The location, Marshall Street in Paterson, includes mixed residential and commercial properties. Law enforcement sources indicate detectives canvassed the surrounding area for surveillance footage and potential witnesses Thursday afternoon and evening.
Appeal For Public Assistance;
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office is urging members of the public who may have information about the incident to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO, email tips@passaiccountynj.org, or submit an anonymous tip through the Prosecutor’s Office website at: https://pcponj.opsnetwork.org/tips. Individuals may also contact the Paterson Police Detective Bureau directly at 973-321-1120.
Broader Context;
Paterson, the largest city in Passaic County, has experienced ongoing challenges related to homelessness and public safety. Law enforcement officials have not indicated whether the victim had prior contact with police or social service agencies, nor have they provided details about how long the tent had been in the area.
As investigators continue processing evidence and conducting interviews, additional information is expected to be released in the coming days.
At this stage, authorities have not ruled out any possibilities.
Englebrook Independent News will continue to monitor developments in this case and provide verified updates as they become available.
Editor’s Note:
This article was written by Art Fletcher, Executive Editor, and is based on an official statement released by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office and the Paterson Police Department. The investigation remains active and ongoing. No suspects have been identified at the time of publication. Englebrook Independent News will update this story as verified information becomes available.
