New jersey man charged with homicide after girlfriend found dead in bensalem hotel

BENSALEM, Pa. — A 51-year-old Trenton man has been charged with homicide after police discovered the body of his girlfriend, 49-year-old Maisha Coon, in a hotel room in Bensalem early Wednesday morning. The suspect, identified as Orenthia Upshur, was taken into custody following a tense standoff in Trenton hours after the victim’s body was found.

According to the Bensalem Township Police Department and the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office, a family member of Upshur entered the Pennsylvania State Police Trevose Barracks at 5:00 a.m. Wednesday, reporting that Upshur had confessed to shooting Coon after an argument at the Sleep Inn on Street Road. The family member also disclosed that he overheard a heated phone call between the couple shortly after midnight.

Using location data from Coon’s cellphone, Pennsylvania State Police tracked her to the Sleep Inn, where officers discovered a rented hotel room under her name. Upon entry, they found her body lying on the floor with apparent gunshot wounds.

Photo: new jersey man charged with homicide after girlfriend found dead in bensalem hotel

Meanwhile, Trenton Police received a 9-1-1 call at 4:30 a.m. reporting gunfire near Parkside Avenue and Oak Lane. Officers arriving at the scene encountered additional gunshots and saw an armed suspect fleeing into a home on Oak Lane. The Mercer County Tactical Response Team was called in and surrounded the residence. After more shots were fired from inside, Upshur was taken into custody following the team’s entry into the home.

Police recovered a firearm believed to have been used in the fatal shooting. Investigators say Upshur and Coon, both residents of Trenton, had a history of domestic disputes, and their relationship had become increasingly volatile.

Upshur now faces charges including homicide and related offenses. The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office is leading the investigation into the killing, while Trenton authorities are assisting with the ongoing case.

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