Suspect Extradited From North Carolina As Prosecutors Pursue First-Degree Murder Case In Fatal 2025 Passaic, New Jersey Stabbing
Sunday, March 29, 2026, 1:30 P.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
PASSAIC, NJ.- Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Passaic Police Chief Luis A. Guzman have announced the extradition and formal charging of a Passaic man in connection with a fatal stabbing that occurred in March 2025, underscoring what officials describe as a coordinated and persistent law enforcement effort to deliver justice.
According to authorities, Ernest Lawrence, 35, of Passaic, has been charged with first-degree Murder, third-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and fourth-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in connection with the brutal stabbing death of 31-year-old Daniela Ghafour, known to friends as the Dunkin Donuts' Queen.
Incident Overview;
The investigation began on March 16, 2025, at approximately 9:40 a.m., when officers with the Passaic Police Department responded to a reported stabbing at a residence near 4th Street and Bergen Street in Passaic, New Jersey.
Upon arrival, officers located Ms. Ghafour suffering from multiple stab wounds. Emergency responders transported her to St. Mary’s Hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.
Law enforcement officials say the rapid response by officers and emergency personnel was followed by an intensive investigation led jointly by the Passaic Police Department and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office. That investigation ultimately identified Lawrence as the suspect in the fatal attack.
Arrest and Extradition;
Authorities confirmed that Lawrence was located out of state in North Carolina following the incident. After coordination between jurisdictions, he was extradited back to New Jersey on March 26, 2026.
He is currently being held in custody pending his initial appearance at Central Judicial Processing. Prosecutors have indicated they will file a motion for pre-trial detention, which will be considered by a Superior Court judge at a later date.
Charges And Potential Sentencing;
The charges against Lawrence carry significant legal consequences under New Jersey law:
- First-degree Murder: 30 years to life imprisonment
- Third-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose: 5 to 10 years imprisonment
- Fourth-degree Unlawful Possession of a Weapon: Up to 18 months imprisonment
Officials emphasized that these charges reflect the severity of the alleged crime and the state’s commitment to prosecuting violent offenses to the fullest extent of the law.
Ongoing Investigation;
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Authorities have stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.
The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office is urging anyone with information related to this case to come forward. Tips can be submitted through the office’s confidential tip line at 1-877-370-PCPO, via email at tips@passaiccountynj.org, or anonymously through their online portal.
Commitment To Public Safety;
Law enforcement officials highlighted the case as an example of interagency cooperation and determination in pursuing violent offenders, even across state lines. The successful extradition of Lawrence marks a critical step in the judicial process and reflects the continued prioritization of community safety in Passaic County, New Jersey.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This report was written by Art Fletcher, Executive Editor, and is based on official information released by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office and the Passaic Police Department. All facts, names, charges, and timelines have been verified against law enforcement statements as of March 29, 2026. This is a developing case, and Englebrook Independent News will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
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