PATERSON, N.J. — A community is mourning the loss of a 42-year-old man, Rulsy Mata, who was tragically shot and killed during what authorities have described as a robbery gone wrong. The incident took place Sunday evening, May 11, around 6:30 p.m., near the intersection of Rosa Parks Boulevard and Lafayette Street—a busy area in the heart of the city’s 4th Ward.
According to law enforcement officials, Mata was engaged in a casual game of dominoes on the sidewalk with friends when the violence erupted. Witnesses report that a suspect, or possibly multiple individuals, approached the group with the apparent intention of committing a robbery. During the confrontation, gunfire broke out, fatally striking Mata. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.
The atmosphere turned chaotic as bystanders scrambled for safety, and others attempted to assist Mata before police and medical teams arrived. Residents in the area, many of whom are familiar with the regular weekend gatherings on that stretch of sidewalk, expressed deep sorrow and frustration.
“He was just out there relaxing, doing what he always did on weekends,” said a neighbor who asked to remain anonymous. “Now he’s gone, over something senseless.”
Mata, described by friends as a kind and easygoing man, was a familiar face in the neighborhood. He was known to enjoy spending his free time with friends and family, and his presence at local domino games had become a weekend ritual.
The Paterson Police Department, in collaboration with the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, has launched an investigation into the shooting. Detectives canvassed the area for witnesses and security camera footage that might provide clues about the suspect or suspects involved. No arrests have been made as of Monday morning.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously to the Paterson Police or the Prosecutor’s Office tip lines.
This latest incident adds to a string of violence that has plagued Paterson in recent months, sparking renewed calls for community engagement and stronger anti-violence measures.
City leaders have expressed condolences to the Mata family and reiterated their commitment to improving public safety. “Our thoughts are with the family of Mr. Mata,” a city spokesperson said. “We must come together as a community to ensure this kind of tragedy does not happen again.”
As the investigation continues, a growing memorial of candles, flowers, and handwritten notes has appeared at the site of the shooting—a silent testament to the life lost and the community left grieving.
Rulsy Mata’s death marks yet another painful chapter in Paterson’s ongoing struggle with gun violence, but for those who knew him, he will be remembered as a peaceful, warm-hearted man whose life was taken far too soon.