PATERSON MAN SENTENCED TO 50 YEARS FOR FATAL SHOOTING OF STREET VENDOR

A Paterson resident has been sentenced to 50 years in state prison for the 2024 killing of a city street vendor, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.

Jimmy Mercedes, 41, was convicted in August 2025 of first-degree murder, unlawful possession of a handgun, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and being a certain person not to possess a weapon. The jury reached its verdict after two days of deliberations.

The sentence, issued on October 28, 2025, includes a 40-year term for murder and a consecutive 10-year term for the weapons offenses. Mercedes must serve at least 38½ years before he becomes eligible for parole.

The case stems from a May 5, 2024 shooting near East 24th Street and Broadway in Paterson. Police responding to reports of gunfire around 10:22 a.m. found 62-year-old Daryle Robinson suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, where he died two days later.

Mercedes surrendered to Paterson police on May 10, 2024, following an investigation that identified him as the suspect.

Officials said the conviction and sentencing were the result of a joint investigation by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office and the Paterson Police Department.