By: Richard L. Smith
A man wanted in connection with a fatal shooting in Long Branch last year has been apprehended in Georgia, authorities announced.
According to information released by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, 25-year-old Raheem D. Montes of Long Branch was taken into custody in Clayton County, Georgia, by local law enforcement.
The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on February 11, 2024, when officers from the Long Branch Police Department and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Bureau responded to a shooting report on Brighton Avenue, between Ocean Boulevard and 2nd Avenue.
At the scene, they found 31-year-old Elijah Buffaloe, also of Long Branch, suffering from gunshot wounds.
Buffaloe was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Investigators identified Montes as the primary shooter. Shortly after the initial gunfire, additional shots were exchanged among other individuals, wounding a 32-year-old man from Brick Township.
He later sought medical treatment at a local hospital and was released.
Montes has been charged with first-degree murder, second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, and second-degree possession of a weapon for an illegal purpose.
He remains in custody in Georgia, awaiting extradition to Monmouth County, where he will face prosecution.