Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced today that an Essex County Grand Jury has returned an 11-count indictment charging Marcus Bascus, 20, and Nicholas Welch, 26, with the murder of Seton Hall University student Jessica Moore.
Moore, 19, of Disputanta, Va., was fatally shot at an off-campus party in East Orange. After being turned away from a South Clinton Street party, Welch came back and opened fire on the crowd of about 50 people, shooting Moore and four other students attending the party.
The indictment alleges that Welch and Bascus acted as co-defendants. Both are charged with conspiracy to commit murder, murder, felony murder, burglary, four counts of attempted murder and two weapons offenses. Welch alone was charged with one count of hindering prosecution by destroying or tampering with evidence.
“This was truly a tragic case of random, senseless violence aimed at students who had simply gathered to have a good time. With this indictment, we are looking forward to taking the case to trial,’’ said Assistant Prosecutor Romesh C. Sukhdeo, who is prosecuting the case.
The two defendants are scheduled to be arraigned on Oct. 4, before the Honorable Peter J. Vazquez, J.S.C.
These are accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they plead guilty or are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
