Wayne Man Charged With Murdering His Grandmother

Resident Mark Dubas was arraigned in Passaic County Court Monday on a first-degree murder charge in connection with the death of his grandmother, Clifton police said.

Dubas remains in Passaic County jail on $1 million bail.

Dubas’ grandmother, Barbara Tysbir, was found dead in her Clifton home Friday morning. Tysbir was found with stab wounds to her throat and neck, Clifton police Detective Capt. Robert Rowan.

Rowan said Dubas had a “troubled past.”

“We believe the incident had something to do with obtaining money to buy drugs,” Rowan said. “That is our suspicion.”

According to authorities, police received reports Friday morning of a man knocking on doors on Maplewood Avenue asking for a drink of water. Rowan said Dubas was found sitting in a car on the street when police arrived to investigate the reports, Rowan said.

Rowan said police noticed marks on Dubas’ arms and a syringe on the street outside of the vehicle Dubas was sitting in. Rowan said heroin, cocaine and more than a dozen syringes were found in the vehicle. Dubas was arrested at the scene.

Ann Dubas, Dubas’ mother, told police she tried to call Tysbir but got no response, Rowan said. The mother called police, who along with firefighters found Tysbir’s body in Tysbir's basement, Rowan said.

Police said scissors and a kitchen knife were used to stab Tysbir.

In addition to the murder charge, Dubas was charged with armed robbery and theft, possession of heroin and cocaine.

“Neighbors said they were shocked,” Rowan said. “She had a good relationship with the grandson.”