🚨 Paterson Man Charged With Murder After Woman Beaten To Death, Child Abducted

A brutal case out of Paterson is shaking Passaic County. Authorities say 34-year-old Matthew Vega beat a 29-year-old woman so badly she later died — then abducted her 3-year-old son.

Police were called around 6:30 a.m. on March 27 to Market Street, where they found the woman unresponsive. At the same time, a statewide alert went out for the missing child, with Vega named as the suspect.

The child was later found safe. Vega was taken into custody. The victim was rushed to the hospital but died the following day. Prosecutors have now upgraded charges against Vega to first-degree murder, along with child endangerment and aggravated assault.

Reports say the young boy is the victim’s son. Authorities have not confirmed Vega’s relationship to them. If convicted, Vega could face life in prison.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.