Francisco Rivera Jr.
Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Little Falls Police Chief Bryan M. Prall
announce that based upon an investigation by the Little Falls Police Department, Francisco Rivera
Jr., 22 years old, from Passaic, New Jersey, was arrested in relation to a stabbing that took place on
June 10, 2023 near the intersection of Grey Street and the Newark Pompton Turnpike in Little Falls,
New Jersey.
Mr. Rivera was charged with Attempted Murder, First Degree; Possession of a Weapon for
Unlawful Purposes, Third Degree; and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Fourth Degree.
On June 10, 2023 at approximately 1:22 a.m., Little Falls Police responded to a location near
the intersection of Grey Street and the Newark Pompton Turnpike after receiving a report of a
stabbing. Upon arrival, police found that a 20-year old male resident of Hawthorne, New Jersey had
suffered a stab wound to the chest. The victim was transported to St. Joseph’s University Medical
Center in Paterson, New Jersey where he continues to receive medical treatment. Based on the
investigation, Francisco Rivera Jr. was identified and a complaint-warrant was issued on June 15,
2023 authorizing his arrest.
Mr. Rivera was arrested at approximately 6:26 this morning without incident by members of
the Little Falls Police Department and the United States Marshall Service at a residence in the area
of Broadway and Irving Place in Passaic, New Jersey.
The sentencing exposure for Mr. Rivera on the charge of First Degree Attempted Murder is
10-20 years New Jersey State Prison with 85% of the term to be served before parole eligibility
pursuant to the No Early Release Act and five years parole supervision; on Third Degree Possession
of a Weapon for Unlawful Purposes is 3-5 years New Jersey State Prison; and on Fourth Degree
Unlawful Possession of a Weapon is up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison.
Mr. Rivera will appear for Central Judicial Processing on Saturday, June 17, 2023.
The State intends to file a motion for pretrial detention of Mr. Rivera, which will be heard
by a Superior Court Judge.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, defendants are
presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office asks anyone with additional information about this
incident to contact us on our tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org or to contact
the Little Falls Police Department at (973) 256-0200.
