Accused Murderer Charged With Terrorism

For the first time in New Jersey history, a defendant in a murder case has been charged with terrorism under state law.

On Thursday afternoon, an Essex County grand jury returned a nine-count indictment against Ali Muhammad Brown, 30, of Seattle, Washington.

The indictment included two counts of terrorism and one count of murder for killing 19-year-old Brendan Tevlin of Livingston in 2014.

• See related article: Livingston Teen’s Killing Outside West Orange Apartment Shocks Community

Brown is also being charged with an attempted carjacking in Point Pleasant Beach and was arrested in Seattle in July 2014 in connection with three shootings in Washington state.

• See related article: Point Beach Robbery Suspect Identified, Wanted in Three Homicides

Brown has claimed that he killed Tevlin and three other men as an act of retribution for lives lost in the military conflicts in the Middle East.

• See related article: Man Accused In Livingston Teen’s Murder Sought ‘Vengeance’ For U.S. Military Action

“As our investigation continued, evidence was developed, including evidence subsequent to arrest, which led to the decision to seek terrorism charges against Brown,’’ Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray stated in a release on Thursday.

The investigation is active and ongoing, authorities stated.

Brown is expected to be arraigned on Aug. 4.

Prosecutors dropped all charges against two other men accused of being involved in Tevlin’s murder.

• See related article: Charges Dropped Against Men Accused Of Killing Brendan Tevlin

Photo 1: Ali Muhammad Brown

Photo 2: Brendan Tevlin