Authorities say homicide task force investigation led to charges months after deadly gunfire incident
Trenton, NJ — A fatal shooting that left a 41-year-old man dead and multiple others injured in Trenton last summer has led to the arrest of a suspect following an eight-month investigation, authorities said.
Terrance Travers, 47, of Trenton, was arrested April 13, 2026, in Pennsylvania and charged with first-degree murder in the death of Andrew Coates, according to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and Trenton Police Department.
Arrest follows months-long homicide investigation
Travers was taken into custody by Falls Township police and is currently being held in the Bucks County Correctional Facility pending extradition to New Jersey, officials said.
The charges stem from an August 29, 2025 shooting near North Olden and Ohio avenues in Trenton that triggered a ShotSpotter alert for multiple gunshots around 11:25 p.m.
Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey said the Mercer County Homicide Task Force conducted a “meticulous and relentless” investigation over several months to identify the suspect.
Shooting caused multiple injuries and damage
Authorities said Coates, who was driving at the time, was struck by gunfire and lost control of his vehicle, crashing into a police patrol car responding to the scene.
Coates was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
A civilian was also struck and injured by Coates’ vehicle and taken to the hospital. Investigators said a second gunshot victim later arrived at the hospital with a wound to his leg and was listed in stable condition.
Two Trenton police officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were treated at a hospital, authorities said.
Gunfire also struck two unoccupied vehicles and a residence on Indiana Avenue, though no one inside the home was injured.
Key Points
• Trenton man arrested in Pennsylvania for August 2025 homicide
• Victim Andrew Coates died after being shot while driving
• Multiple people injured, including civilian and two officers
Multiple charges filed against suspect
In addition to murder, Travers faces charges of attempted murder, receiving stolen property, and multiple weapons offenses, according to prosecutors.
The investigation involved the Mercer County Homicide Task Force, which includes county detectives, local police, and partner agencies. Officials credited assistance from Falls Township and Middletown Township police in Pennsylvania, as well as the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office.
The task force handles approximately 150 cases each year, including homicides, suspicious deaths, and other serious incidents across Mercer County.
Ongoing case status
Travers remains in custody in Pennsylvania awaiting extradition to New Jersey, where he will face the charges in Mercer County. Authorities emphasize that all charges are accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
