Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced on Thursday that an Essex County Grand Jury has returned a nine-count indictment charging Ali Muhammad Brown, 30, of Seattle, with two counts of terrorism, one count of murder and other charges for killing Tevlin, who was 19 at the time of his death.
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, a self-described Muslim.
“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.
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. Tevlin aunt and uncle, Kathleen Tevlin Nulty and Thomas Tevlin, live in Verona.
In announcing the indictment, the prosecutor’s office also dismissed the charges against two co-defendants, Eric Williams, 19, and Jeremy Villagran, 20, both of West Orange, who were arrested and charged last August 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.
Brown is expected to be arraigned on Tuesday, August 4, before the Honorable Ronald D. Wigler, Presiding Judge of the Criminal Division.
