NJ Teen Faces Murder Charges After Chain-Snatch Gone Wrong

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — A Paterson teen is facing several charges regarding a fatal shooting after an attempt to steal a gold chain, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office announced.

Officials said that the incident occurred on May 11 at Rosa Parks Boulevard and Lafayette Street in Paterson. Police were responding to shots fired in the area when they found Rulsy Mata Sosa, 42, of Paterson, suffering from a gunshot wound.

Sosa was taken to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

An investigation revealed that three individuals, including the 17-year-old being charged, were attempting to steal Sosa’s gold chain when one of their firearms went off, hitting Sosa, police said.

The 17-year-old was arrested by police on June 6 and is in custody awaiting court proceedings, according to officials.

Officials have not announced if the other two individuals involved have been identified or charged.

The accused is charged with acts of juvenile delinquency that would constitute the crimes of felony murder, murder, robbery, and conspiracy to commit robbery, if he were an adult, authorities said.

The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org.