Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today the arrest of three suspects in connection with the June 25 murder of Brendan Tevlin, the nephew of two Verona families.
The Prosecutor’s Office said that Ali Muhammad Brown, 29, of Seattle, a registered sex offender, has been charged with murder, felony murder, robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon.
According to Murray, Tevlin was stopped at a stoplight in West Orange when he was surrounded by the suspects. At that point, she said, “He was the simple victim of an intent to rob.” Murray said that Brown allegedly shot at Tevlin 10 times. While the other suspects fled on foot, Brown entered the car, moved Tevlin’s body to the passenger seat and drove it to the parking lot of the apartment complex. He then allegedly took personal items and fled.
Also charged in connection with the Tevlin murder are Jeremy Villagran, 19 and Eric Williams, 18, both of West Orange. Both men have been charged with felony murder, robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon.
Tevlin, a 19-year-old college student from Livingston, was shot multiple times at the intersection of Northfield and Walker avenues in West Orange on Wednesday, June 25, just before midnight. Villagran is a resident of the apartment complex where Tevlin’s body was found.
Brown is being held on bail pending extradition to Washington, where he was wanted in connection with a murder investigation. Murray said the Brown had some ties to New Jersey but did not elaborate.
Tevlin’s family, including his aunt and uncle in Verona, Kathleen Tevlin Nulty and Thomas Tevlin, had been working to expand awareness of the case and reward money for information that could lead to arrests.
I grew up in West Orange in the 1960s and 70s and it is shocking to me that two of the three suspects live in West Orange. What a disheartening change in some of the residents of this town, where my mom still lives.
So sad, they killed a productive member of our society, this is a tragedy and I know the families, I love them and my heart is with them. Rest in peace Brendan
My heart is very heavy for the families.