Three men charged in fatal shooting of New Jersey teen

FREEHOLD, NJ — Authorities have charged three men in connection with the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Tristan Reeves in Long Branch earlier this year, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced Thursday.

Tristan Reeves Shooting in Long Branch, N.J: Suspects and Charges

Aiden Terlecki, 19, of Middletown; Joshua Moore, 21, of Neptune Township; and Jahsaad M. Banks, 19, of Asbury Park face multiple charges. Each man is charged with:

• First-degree murder
• First-degree conspiracy to commit murder
• Second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm
• Second-degree possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes
• Third-degree hindering apprehension

Additionally, Moore faces a second-degree charge for being a certain person not to possess a weapon. Terlecki also faces a second-degree charge for possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance.

Tristan Reeves Shooting in Long Branch, N.J: Timeline of Events

On Sunday, March 16, around 12:34 p.m., Long Branch Police responded to a shooting near John R. Lewis Commons. Officers found Reeves suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency responders rushed him to a nearby hospital, but he later died from his injuries.

Family Tribute

According to a GoFundMe organized by loved ones, the Reeves/Ponder family described Tristan as “the joy of their family.” They wrote, “Tristan was a loving son, brother, grandson, cousin and friend.” His death, they said, “stripped him of many years” and left them “inconsolable and heartbroken.” The family asked for prayers and support to honor his life and legacy.

Apprehensions and Detention

Port Authority Police arrested Terlecki in New York City on October 9. He remains in custody, awaiting extradition. Authorities apprehended Moore in Neptune Township on October 2 without incident. They are currently holding him at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution (MCCI). Banks was already in custody at MCCI on unrelated charges.

On October 15, Judge Henry P. Butehorn ordered Moore and Banks to remain in custody pending further proceedings.

Legal Representation and Case Assignment

Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Bogner, Director of the Major Crimes Bureau, is handling the case. Banks is represented by Lauren Musarra, Esq., of Freehold. Moore is represented by Anthony Cherry, Esq., of Eatontown. Terlecki’s legal representation remains unknown.

Public Appeal for Information in Tristan Reeves Murder

Investigators urge anyone with information to contact:

• Detective Joseph Leon, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office: 800-533-7443
• Detective David Stone, Long Branch Police Department: 732-222-1000 ext. 1349

Despite the charges, all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Each retains full constitutional rights throughout the legal process.