Man Who Murdered NJ Street Vendor Learns Fate In Court

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — A 41-year-old New Jersey man who was convicted of murdering a Paterson street vendor last year has been sentenced to prison, authorities said.

Jimmy Mercedes was found guilty of first-degree murder, unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and certain persons not to have weapons after two days of jury deliberations in August.

On Tuesday, Mercedes was sentenced to a total of 50 years in prison, with a 40-year sentence to run consecutively with a 10-year sentence.

He must serve at least 38 and a half years before he is eligible for parole.

On May 5, 2024, around 10:30 a.m., Paterson police responded to reports of a shooting near East 24th Street and Broadway. Authorities found Daryle Robinson, 62, of Paterson, suffering from two gunshot wounds. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died two days later.

Mercedes turned himself in five days later after an investigation identified him as the shooting suspect.

See Related: Murder Charge For Man In Slaying Of NJ Street Vendor, 62: Officials

Robinson's daughter, Niomi, was scheduled to speak during the Tuesday hearing. Before the hearing, she posted, "I pray that when I speak, my strength comes from my dad, that my voice honors him, that my presence does him justice, and that somehow, through my tears, he feels proud of me.”