Crime
42-Year-Old Rulsy Mata Fatally Shot During Armed Robbery While Playing Dominoes in Paterson
PATERSON, N.J. — A 42-year-old man identified as Rulsy Mata was shot and killed during a robbery while playing dominoes on a sidewalk in Paterson Sunday evening, according to law enforcement officials.
The fatal shooting occurred shortly after 6:30 p.m. on May 11, near the intersection of Rosa Parks Boulevard and Lafayette Street.
Mata was reportedly playing dominoes with two other men when an armed suspect approached them and opened fire during what authorities believe was a robbery attempt.
Paterson police officers responded swiftly to reports of gunfire and arrived to find Mata suffering from critical gunshot wounds.
He was transported to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
Mata’s death marks the seventh homicide in Paterson so far this year.
The city experienced a surge in gun violence over a 24-hour period surrounding this incident, with three separate shootings, including one involving a 16-year-old boy shot near Madison and Second avenues just before 11 p.m. the same night.
According to Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Officer-In-Charge Patrick Murray, no arrests have been made in connection with Mata’s killing or the subsequent teen shooting, and no suspect descriptions have been released at this time.
As of now, Paterson has recorded 18 shootings in 2025, down slightly from 25 at this time last year.
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the homicide to come forward. Tips can be submitted to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office tip line at 1-877-370-PCPO or by email at tips@passaiccountynj.org. The Paterson Police Detective Bureau can also be reached at 973-321-1120. All information will be kept confidential.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.