Thousands Gather To Mourn West Orange Teen Shot To Death In Family Jeep
WEST ORANGE, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Thousands of people gathered on Monday to mourn the loss of a young college student who was shot and killed while sitting in his car in West Orange, New Jersey.
If our lives are measured by how we're celebrated in death, then Brendan Tevlin, 19, lived a full life and then some, mourners said at the service.
As CBS 2's Matt Kozar reported, thousands braved the summer heat for a wake at Seton Hall Prep where Tevlin graduated last year.
The line snaked down the block.
"Within moments of meeting him everyone felt like he was in his family, and they were. To Brendan, everyone was family," cousin Kaitlin Murphy said.
Murphy wants to know who shot her cousin and why.
"Our worst nightmare. There are no words for this," she added.
Tevlin was shot and killed on Wednesday. Investigators said that he was targeted, but they would not elaborate.
The 19-year-old's body was in the family Jeep. It was found at a West Orange apartment complex.
Prosecutors have released images of two young men seen running near the crime scene, but they have yet to find them for questioning.
"The lord has his ways and we don't understand them and we never will understand them," Monsignor Michael Kelly said.
Monsignor Kelly provided comfort to family and friends who were left with memories of the honors student and athlete.
Tevlin was also active in church.
"He accepted everyone no matter who you were, and he made every single person feel loved," Murphy said.
Brendan's friends and family traveled from across the country and the world to attend Monday's service. They will attend a funeral mass at St. Philomena's in Livingston on Tuesday.
The reward in the case has been increased to $25,000.
You May Also Be Interested In These Stories
