On January 7, 2007, Tyron Donta Franklin, 23, an off-duty Paterson Police Officer who had been on the force eight months, was shot and killed while placing an order at a fast-food restaurant on Broadway in Paterson, New Jersey. A man attempted to rob him, a struggle followed, and Franklin was shot multiple times. After he fell, a witness identifying him as a police officer did not stop the attacker, who fired two additional shots. A citizen who tried to intervene was also shot and wounded. Franklin was taken to Saint Joseph’s Regional Medical Center and pronounced dead; he left behind a 16-month-old son.

Authorities identified a suspect, Teddy Charlemagne, and arrested him in Irvington on January 16, 2007, following information from an informant. Charlemagne, described in reports as a member of the Crips street gang, was charged with Franklin’s murder. On May 9, 2008, Charlemagne was convicted and sentenced to 37 years in prison. The killing prompted creation of the NJ COP SHOT program, which offers rewards for information leading to arrest and conviction of people who harm law enforcement officers in New Jersey.

If anyone knew Officer Franklin, witnessed the January 7 scene, or has information that wasn’t shared with investigators, please come forward.