The criminal trial of three Paterson NJ men accused of murder is nearing an end as a Passaic County Superior Court jury deliberates on a verdict.

The suspects, who hail from Paterson New Jersey, are charged with murder and attempted murder for a fatal shooting early in the morning on August 31, 2014. The shooting also resulted in significant injuries to a woman.

According to Passaic County prosecutors, one of the suspects used a handgun to shoot at a rival gang member. However, a bullet wound up striking, and killing, an innocent bystander. Additionally, another bullet struck a teenage girl who happened to be sitting in a car parked on the street.

The suspects were eventually arrested and charged with first degree murder. Now they could be headed to prison after the prosecution made its closing arguments and the jury began deliberations.

One major issue in the case is whether the suspects possessed a handgun on the night of the shooting.

For additional information about this case, view the NorthJersey.com article, “Prosecution Rests in Paterson Murder Case.”