The vibrant hum of a Sunday evening dominoes game on a Paterson sidewalk was shattered by gunfire, leaving a community in mourning and a family devastated. Rulsy Mata, a 42-year-old man known for his warmth and ties to the Dominican community, was fatally shot during a robbery attempt on May 11, 2025, near the intersection of Rosa Parks Boulevard and Lafayette Street. The loss of Mata, a beloved figure from Laguna Salada, Dominican Republic, has sent ripples of grief through Paterson and beyond, underscoring the persistent challenge of gun violence in the city.
The incident unfolded shortly after 6:30 p.m., as Mata sat with two other men, engrossed in a lively game of dominoes, a cherished pastime in the neighborhood. An armed assailant approached, and what authorities believe was an attempted robbery quickly escalated into deadly violence. Gunshots rang out, and Mata was struck multiple times. Paterson police officers, responding to urgent reports of gunfire, arrived to find Mata gravely wounded. Despite their swift efforts to rush him to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, he succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a void felt deeply by those who knew him.
Mata’s death marks Paterson’s seventh homicide of 2025, a somber milestone in a city that has seen a slight decline in gun violence compared to the previous year. According to official reports, Paterson recorded 18 shootings so far this year, down from 25 during the same period in 2024. Yet, the weekend of Mata’s killing was marred by a surge in violence, with three separate shootings occurring within a 24-hour span. Just hours after Mata was shot, a 16-year-old boy was wounded near Madison and Second avenues, and another shooting was reported elsewhere in the city. These incidents have heightened concerns among residents, who are grappling with the fear that violence remains an ever-present threat.
Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Officer-In-Charge Patrick Murray have confirmed that no arrests have been made in connection with Mata’s killing or the shooting of the teenager. Authorities have not released a suspect description, leaving the community anxious for answers. The lack of immediate leads has only deepened the sense of unease in Paterson, where residents are calling for stronger measures to curb gun violence. Community leaders, reflecting on Mata’s death, have emphasized the need for proactive policing and sustained investment in youth programs to address the root causes of such tragedies.
Mata’s story resonates far beyond Paterson’s borders. A native of Laguna Salada, he was remembered by friends and family as a man of resilience and kindness, someone who brought people together with his infectious spirit. His brother, Andys Mata, has been among those sharing their grief publicly, highlighting the personal toll of a loss that has also touched the Dominican diaspora. The tragedy has sparked conversations about safety and the broader impact of violence on immigrant communities, who often form tight-knit networks in cities like Paterson.
The city itself is no stranger to the challenges of gun violence. Despite a reported 33.3% decrease in shooting incidents in 2023 compared to 2022, Paterson remains one of New Jersey’s most affected urban centers. The Paterson Police Department recovered 160 firearms in 2023, a testament to their efforts to stem the tide of illegal weapons. Yet, incidents like Mata’s killing highlight the complexity of the issue, where even a single act of violence can unravel years of progress. Community advocates argue that beyond law enforcement, addressing economic disparities and providing opportunities for young people are critical to breaking the cycle.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Mata’s homicide to come forward, offering multiple avenues for tips. The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office can be reached at 1-877-370-PCPO or via email at tips@passaiccountynj.org, while the Paterson Police Detective Bureau is available at 973-321-1120. All tips will remain confidential, a reassurance meant to encourage witnesses to share what they know without fear.
As Paterson mourns Rulsy Mata, the city faces a moment of reckoning. His death is not just a statistic but a call to action—a reminder that behind every number is a life, a family, and a community left to pick up the pieces. For now, residents hold tight to memories of Mata’s laughter over a dominoes table, hoping justice will bring some measure of peace.