NJ Man Arrested After New Year's Day Slaying, Officials Say

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — An eight-month investigation into a fatal shooting on New Year's Day has resulted in a suspect in custody, police say.

David Lawrence, 41, of Paterson, faces a slew of charges, including first-degree murder, months after a shooting left one dead and one hospitalized, officials say.

On Jan. 1., around 7 a.m., police were called to Market Street and Memorial Drive in Paterson on reports of shots fired.

Authorities arrived to find two Paterson men, one 36, the other 55, suffering from several gunshot wounds.

Both men were rushed to a nearby hospital. The 36-year-old did not survive, and the 55-year-old was treated for nonfatal wounds.

A months-long investigation led police to believe that Lawrence was behind the trigger, officials say.

On Wednesday, Lawrence was arrested without incident and charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose,

The state has filed for pretrial detention for Lawrence. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison.