Two charged in deadly long branch stabbing
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Two charged in deadly Long Branch stabbing

March 11, 2025
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FREEHOLD, N.J. — Two Long Branch men have been charged with murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 35-year-old man late Friday night, authorities announced Tuesday.

Nija Faust, 21, and Santana Rivera-Cosme, 20, were each charged with first-degree murder, fourth-degree unlawful possession of a weapon, and third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago.

Long Branch police responded to a report of a stabbing around 11:33 p.m. on March 7 in the 200 block of Broadway. Officers found the victim, later identified as Eren Kurkcu, suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead the next day.

An investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Bureau and Long Branch police led to the arrests of Faust and Rivera-Cosme. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact prosecutors or Long Branch police.

Shore News Network

Shore News Network

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