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.
Crime
Who was Jesse Strang? Tumbler Ridge Secondary School Shooting Suspect Identified as Transgender Student
Authorities are continuing to investigate the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, that left at least 10 people dead, including multiple victims at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and two individuals at a separate residence connected to the case.
While the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have not formally released the suspect’s identity, the alleged shooter has been identified by a close family member as 17-year-old Jesse Strang, a student at the school.
The outlet stated it spoke with Russell G. Strang, identified as the suspect’s uncle, who claimed that Jesse was responsible for the attack and described the teen as transgender.
Law enforcement has not publicly confirmed these details, and investigators have urged the public to rely on verified information as the case remains active.
According to RCMP, gunfire was first reported at approximately 1:20 p.m. at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
Responding officers discovered six victims deceased inside the building, while a seventh victim later died while being transported to a hospital.
Two additional victims were airlifted to regional medical facilities with serious or life-threatening injuries, and roughly 25 others were evaluated for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.
During the investigation, officers identified what they described as a “secondary location believed to be connected to the incident.” At that residence, police located two additional victims who were pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspected gunman is also deceased, reportedly from what investigators believe to be a self-inflicted injury.
“Officers are conducting further searches of additional homes and properties to determine whether anyone else may be injured or otherwise linked to today’s events,” the RCMP said in a statement.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed profound sorrow following the tragedy.
“I am devastated by this shooting. I join Canadians in grieving with those whose lives have been changed irreversibly today, and in gratitude for the courage and selflessness of the first responders who risked their lives to protect their fellow citizens,” Carney said.
Tumbler Ridge, a remote community of approximately 2,400 residents in the Northern Rockies region of northeastern British Columbia, is now grappling with the aftermath of one of the deadliest acts of violence in its history.
Crisis support resources and emergency personnel have been mobilized to assist victims, families, and residents affected by the tragedy.
In the wake of the shooting, strong opinions and commentary have circulated online regarding the suspect’s identity, gender, and possible motives.
Authorities have not established a motive, nor have they confirmed personal details about the suspect. Officials caution against spreading speculation or attributing the attack to any ideology or group without verified evidence.
The investigation remains active as law enforcement works to confirm the suspect’s identity, reconstruct the timeline of events, and determine what factors led to the violence.
Additional updates are expected as authorities continue to gather and verify information.
Officials are urging anyone with relevant information to contact law enforcement and encouraging the public to respect the privacy of the victims’ families during this time of profound loss.