Suspect Arrested 5 Years After Fatal Passaic Stabbing

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Police have arrested a suspect and charged him with murder for a fatal stabbing that occurred in Passaic, New Jersey over five years ago. Authorities say Jean Cordero, 35, of Passaic, is accused of killing 41-year-old Juan Marquez by stabbing him with a knife during an assault and robbery in November 2020. Cordero was located in the Bronx, New York and extradited to New Jersey on April 6, 2026.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement can face in solving cold cases, even with witness testimony, and the importance of persistent investigation and cooperation across jurisdictions to bring suspects to justice years after a violent crime.

The details

On November 22, 2020, police responded to reports of a fight in the area of President Street and Parker Avenue in Passaic around 2:29 a.m. They found Juan Marquez with multiple stab wounds, and he was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Witnesses said Marquez and others were assaulted and robbed by a group of men. Authorities charged Jean Cordero with Marquez's murder, but it took over five years to locate and arrest him in the Bronx before extraditing him to New Jersey.

• On November 22, 2020, police responded to the stabbing incident around 2:29 a.m.
• On November 23, 2020, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Jean Cordero.
• On April 6, 2026, Cordero was located in the Bronx, New York and extradited to New Jersey.

What they’re saying

What’s next

A pre-trial detention hearing has been scheduled for the case, though a specific date has not been announced.