Attempted Murder, Kidnapping Charges For NJ Duo In Double Shooting

PATERSON, NJ — A duo has been charged with attempted murder, carjacking, kidnapping, and other offenses in a Paterson shooting last March that wounded two other men.

U.S. Marshals arrested one of the men last week, a year and a day after the shooting. The other was taken into custody in August, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office and Paterson Police.

Officials said the shooting took place early on the morning of March 18, 2024 near 20th Avenue and East 33rd Street in Paterson. Arriving officers found two male victims, a 27-year-old and a 43-year-old, with multiple gunshot wounds.

First responders transported the men, both Paterson residents, to St. Joseph's University Medical Center for treatment. Their injuries were not life-threatening.

City police located a potential crime scene, and a subsequent investigation identified 20-year-old Shaheem Clark and 22-year-old Jakahri Smith of Paterson as the assailants, officials said. Prosecutors did not release any other details about the shooting.

Paterson Police arrested Clark in Elmwood Park on Aug. 4, 2024, and U.S. Marshals took Smith into custody in Lynn, Mass. on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, according to authorities.

Clark, who was ordered to be held in jail until trial, faces first-degree charges of attempted murder, kidnapping, and carjacking. He also faces drug and weapons-related offenses including possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of a high-capacity magazine.

Prosecutors will ask the judge for Smith to also be detained ahead of trial. He was also charged with first-degree attempted murder, kidnapping, and carjacking; along with second-degree weapons-related offenses.