Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that an Essex County Grand Jury has returned a nine-count indictment charging Ali Muhammad Brown, 30, of Seattle, Washington with two counts of terrorism, one count of murder and other charges for killing Brendan Tevlin, 19, of Livingston on June 25, 2014.
This is the first murder case in New Jersey in which a defendant has been charged with terrorism under state law. Acting Prosecutor Murray sought and obtained the permission of Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman to present the charge to the grand jury against Brown.
“As the investigation continued, evidence was developed, including evidence subsequent to arrest, which led to the decision to seek terrorism charges against Brown,’’ said Acting Prosecutor Murray.
In addition to terrorism and murder, Brown is charged with felony murder, carjacking, robbery and multiple weapons offenses, including possession of hollow point bullets, according to Assistant Prosecutor Jamel Semper, who is handling the case.
The indictment alleges, Tevlin, who was home after completing his freshman year at the University of Richmond, was shot multiple times while stopped at a traffic light at Walker Road and Northfield Avenue in West Orange by Brown, according to Assistant Prosecutor Semper.
Shortly before the murder, Tevlin contacted a family member and indicated he was on his way home. He was coming from visiting friends.
Today, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office dismissed the charges against two co-defendants, Eric Williams, 19, and Jeremy Villagran, 20, both West Orange, who were arrested and charged in August of 2014 with Brown.
“Based on the evidence and the information we have at this time, we believe this is the appropriate course of action,’’ said Acting Prosecutor Murray.