A discarded Black & Mild cigar became the key evidence that led to the arrest of a suspect in a fatal shooting on November 12 in Paterson, near Rosa Parks Boulevard and Godwin Avenue—an area associated with gang activity.
Police identified the suspect as 43-year-old Robert Davis of Paterson. Surveillance footage revealed that Davis lit and smoked the cigar as he approached the scene of the crime and discarded it moments after the shooting. Detectives, already familiar with Davis due to his criminal history, retrieved the partially smoked cigar and sent it for DNA analysis. The results confirmed Davis’s DNA on the cigar, linking him to the scene.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office announced Davis’s arrest on December 2. He now faces charges of murder and related offenses.
The Crime and Investigation
The shooting occurred in an area reportedly controlled by a local gang, the “230 Boys.” The victim, identified as U.H., a 21-year-old Staten Island resident, was fatally shot while seated in a moving vehicle, a 2008 Chevrolet Uplander. A second victim, 27-year-old K.H. from Paterson, was injured. After the shooting, the victims attempted to reach St. Joseph’s University Medical Center but crashed their vehicle near the hospital entrance.
Investigators faced challenges during the inquiry, including a lack of cooperation from K.H., who refused to share details about the shooting and demanded access to his phone and his mother.
In a surprising twist, the victims’ vehicle was reportedly seen back at the crime scene shortly after the incident, raising questions about the dynamics between the victims and the suspect.
Authorities disclosed that Davis was acquainted with U.H., suggesting the possibility of a personal dispute or gang-related motive, though no motive has been confirmed.
Arrest and Charges
Davis’s arrest represents a significant step forward in the investigation. In addition to the murder charge, he faces multiple other criminal charges. Investigators continue to explore potential accomplices and motives behind the shooting.
This case underscores the pivotal role of forensic science in modern criminal investigations. The decision to analyze the discarded cigar for DNA played a crucial role in tying Davis to the crime.
Community Impact
The incident has heightened concerns in Paterson, a city already struggling with gang violence. The intersection of Rosa Parks Boulevard and Godwin Avenue has once again become the center of tragedy, reflecting the broader issues of crime and safety in the area.
As authorities work toward justice, the community remains on edge, seeking clarity on the motive and its potential implications for gang activity. Detectives and prosecutors continue to rely on forensic evidence, surveillance footage, and witness testimonies to build their case and provide answers for the victims’ families.
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