Yearslong Manhunt Ends with Arrest of NJ Murder Suspect in Bronx

Authorities tracked down 35-year-old fugitive Jean Cordero, wanted for a 2020 fatal nightclub stabbing in Passaic.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:08pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single piece of crime scene evidence, such as a knife or bloodied cloth, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the investigative work behind the arrest of a murder suspect.A stark, gritty close-up of a key piece of evidence from the Passaic nightclub murder case, reflecting the investigative efforts that led to the suspect's long-awaited arrest.Passaic Today

After a yearslong manhunt, authorities have arrested a 35-year-old suspect in the 2020 fatal stabbing of Juan Marquez outside a Passaic, New Jersey nightclub. Jean Cordero, who was charged with first-degree murder, was taken into custody in the Bronx without incident following a multi-agency search that spanned multiple states.

Why it matters

The arrest of Cordero, who had been on the New Jersey State Police's Most Wanted list, brings closure to a high-profile homicide case that had remained unsolved for over five years. The case highlights the persistence of law enforcement in tracking down violent fugitives, even across state lines.

The details

Cordero was wanted for the November 2020 killing of 36-year-old Juan Marquez outside the Fiesta Night Club in Passaic. Following the homicide, Cordero was charged with first-degree murder, third-degree possession of a weapon, and fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon. The New Jersey State Police Fugitive Unit, Passaic Police Department, and Passaic County Prosecutor's Office launched a nationwide search, eventually involving the U.S. Marshals Service. In May 2025, Cordero was added to the New Jersey State Police Most Wanted list, and investigators later developed information placing him in the Bronx. On March 24, 2026, authorities executed a warrant and arrested Cordero without incident at a residence on East Mosholu Parkway.

  • In November 2020, Juan Marquez was fatally stabbed outside the Fiesta Night Club in Passaic, New Jersey.
  • In the weeks after the killing, Jean Cordero was charged with first-degree murder and other offenses.
  • In May 2025, Cordero was added to the New Jersey State Police Most Wanted list.
  • On March 24, 2026, Cordero was arrested without incident in the Bronx.
  • On April 6, 2026, Cordero was extradited back to New Jersey and is now being held at the Passaic County Jail.

The players

Jean Cordero

A 35-year-old fugitive from Passaic, New Jersey who was wanted for the 2020 murder of Juan Marquez.

Juan Marquez

A 36-year-old man who was fatally stabbed outside the Fiesta Night Club in Passaic, New Jersey in November 2020.

New Jersey State Police Fugitive Unit

The law enforcement unit that joined the search for Jean Cordero shortly after he was charged with Marquez's murder.

Passaic Police Department

The local police department that worked alongside state and federal agencies to track down the murder suspect.

U.S. Marshals Service

The federal law enforcement agency that assisted in the multi-state manhunt for Jean Cordero.

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What’s next

Cordero will remain in custody at the Passaic County Jail as his case proceeds through the court system.

The takeaway

This arrest demonstrates the persistence and coordination of law enforcement agencies in tracking down violent fugitives, even years after a crime has been committed. The case highlights the importance of maintaining focus on unsolved homicides and the value of adding suspects to most-wanted lists to generate new leads.