Ariel Henriquez, 19 and from Passaic, was shot and later pronounced dead after being brought to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in a private vehicle just before 4 a.m. on December 12, 2022. The shooting occurred in Clifton near the corner of Kulick Street and Central Avenue, where investigators found a crime scene and evidence was collected.

The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office and Clifton Police identified a suspect in the case. Yoniel Santana-Gomez, 24, of Clifton, was located in the Dominican Republic and returned to New Jersey on January 28, 2025. He has been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose; the prosecutor has moved for pre-trial detention while the investigation continues.

Anyone with information about Ariel, the events in Clifton that night, or relevant tips is asked to come forward.