Paterson man charged with murder in deadly YMCA stabbing
By Jonathan Greene
Published: August 7, 2021
A city man has been charged with murder for allegedly stabbing a man to death inside the YMCA building in downtown Paterson, according to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office.
Jasmir Cleaves, 32, has been charged with murder, two counts of possession of a knife for an unlawful purpose, and two counts of unlawful possession of a knife.
Cleaves was arrested on Friday, hours after the stabbing. Police arrived at 128 Ward Street at around 12:10 p.m. and found the victim — Gabrae Sams, 29-year-old of Paterson – lying on the hallway floor with stab wounds.
Sams was rushed to Saint Joseph’s University Medical Center, but did not survive.
Cleaves allegedly stabbed him. He was arrested at around 6:45 p.m. after an interview at the police headquarters.
Cleaves faces life in prison if convicted.