Attempted Murder Charge Filed In 1997 Passaic Stabbing: Prosecutor

PASSAIC, NJ — More than 25 years after a stabbing in Passaic City, officials have arrested with the man they say is responsible for an attempted murder and aggravated assault.

According to the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office, authorities had charged Ramon Florentino Siri in connection with the September 1997 stabbing, but he had not been caught until recently. After learning Siri was back in Passaic, officials took him into custody on March 19 without incident, said Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes.

Siri faces charges of first-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated assault, third-degree aggravated assault, and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, officials said.

The stabbing took place around 10:33 p.m. on September 4, 1997, said Valdes and Passaic Police Chief Luis A. Guzman in a news release Friday.

Passaic Police responded to the area of Henry Street and Leonard Place after getting report of an assault, and discovered a victim suffering from multiple stab wounds. The unidentified victim was transported to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson.

Prosecutors filed a motion for Siri to remain detained ahead of trial, said Valdes.

Anyone with more information on the crime is asked to contact the prosecutor's office tip line at at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org, or contact the Passaic Police Department at 973-365-3900.

The charge of first-degree attempted murder carries a sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison, with a required 85 percent of the sentence served before parole eligibility.

A crime of third-degree aggravated assault has a sentencing range of five to 10 years in prison, also with 85 percent of the sentence required to be served before parole eligibility.

The third-degree crimes of aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose have a sentencing range of three to five years in prison, said officials.