Ex-con Was Arrested And Charged With Attempted Murder

A 34-year-old former convict, Stanley Earl Edwards, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder following a broad-daylight shooting on a busy street in Paterson last month. The shooting took place near the Bragg Funeral Home, and Edwards now faces the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. The shooting, which occurred in the middle of the day, shocked the Paterson community and left authorities scrambling to investigate.

Edwards, a city resident with a long criminal history spanning 15 years, had been in trouble with the law multiple times before this incident. His criminal record includes numerous offenses, and his recent involvement in violent crime further deepens his troubling history. Prior to the shooting, Edwards had been involved in a special alternative-to-incarceration program, known as SLAP, which is designed to offer offenders an opportunity to serve their sentences through supervised manual labor, such as picking up litter. However, he violated the terms of this program, leading to his arrest in September 2025.

Following his arrest for violating the SLAP program, Edwards spent six nights in Bergen County Jail. Afterward, he was released by a Superior Court judge in Paterson, despite his previous violations. His release raised questions about the effectiveness of alternative sentencing programs, as his continued criminal behavior suggested a failure to fully reform.

Just a couple of months later, in November 2025, Edwards was arrested once again, this time by Clifton police, on charges of distributing heroin and cocaine. These charges were in addition to other criminal offenses he was facing. The fact that he continued to engage in illegal activities, including drug distribution, demonstrated a clear disregard for the law and his own rehabilitation efforts.

Now, Edwards is facing even more serious charges in connection with the shooting in Paterson. If convicted of attempted murder, he could be sentenced to a significant amount of prison time, potentially returning him to the incarceration system for a long period. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the shooting and are working to piece together the events that led to the attack.

Edwards’ case raises important questions about the efficacy of the SLAP program and whether individuals with long criminal histories can truly benefit from such alternative sentencing options. His repeated violations of the law suggest that more stringent measures may be necessary for individuals with a history of violent crime and drug distribution. As the case progresses, both the community and legal experts will be watching closely to see how the justice system handles Edwards’ attempted murder charge.

The family and friends of those affected by the shooting continue to wait for answers, hoping for justice in what has been a devastating event. Edwards’ past offenses and his current charges underscore the seriousness of his criminal behavior, and if convicted, he may finally face the consequences of his actions. The ongoing investigation will shed more light on what led to the shooting, but the case is already serving as a reminder of the challenges in dealing with repeat offenders in the justice system.