When prosecutors from two states levy serious criminal charges against a defendant, it can pose complex issues. With multi-jurisdictional laws, overlapping charges, and the potential for life-altering penalties, defense requires a highly strategic approach. From challenging evidence to navigating extradition laws, these high-stakes cases are one of the reasons why many choose the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team. For Pennsylvanians charged with serious criminal cases, call us at 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential consultation form.

Pennsylvania Murder Leads to New Jersey Standoff

In January 2025, 51-year-old Orenthia Upshur allegedly shot and killed his girlfriend, 49-year-old Maisha Coon, in a hotel room in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. After the incident, Upshur reportedly called a relative to confess to the shooting. Authorities traced Coon's cell phone, leading them to the hotel, where they discovered her body with apparent gunshot wounds. Surveillance footage showed Upshur leaving the hotel with a handgun in his pocket.

Following the shooting, Upshur fled to Trenton, New Jersey, where he allegedly attempted to harm Coon's family. He was involved in a series of incidents, including firing gunshots from a pickup truck and attempting to break into a residence. The Mercer County Tactical Response Team apprehended Upshur after he barricaded himself inside the home.

No injuries were reported, and the firearm believed to have been used in the homicide was recovered. Upshur faces charges including criminal homicide, multiple counts of attempted homicide, aggravated assault on law enforcement officers, and burglary.

Challenging the Validity of Multi-State Charges

Individuals facing serious multi-state charges require a highly strategic approach. While complex, there are still ways to provide a robust defense.

Since the charged crimes against Upshur allegedly occurred in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, a defense could begin with challenging jurisdiction and his extradition. For instance, Pennsylvania prosecutors may lead with criminal homicide, but the attempted homicides and officer assaults happened in New Jersey. A defense could slow down the legal process by contesting the defendant's extradition or reasoning for consolidation of charges in one jurisdiction to minimize multiple trials.

Critically, authorities claimed that there were prior domestic disputes between Upshur and Coon in the days leading up to the incident. Therefore, the defense could argue in favor of self-defense or that the defendant was provoked, potentially downgrading charges. With allegations of a confession to a relative, the defense could claim that the statement was coerced or improperly obtained by the prosecution. Regardless of the defense needed to challenge multi-state charges, it should begin with the LLF Law Firm.

Start Your Defense with the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team

Serious criminal charges can put life on hold, threaten your future, and deeply affect your family and friends. Although multi-state charges place anyone in a compromising position, the dedicated team of attorneys at the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team is your best outlet for seeking remedy and redress.

Our team understands how the criminal justice system collects and verifies evidence, including how states decide to proceed when crimes cross borders. We identify weaknesses in the prosecution's argument against defendants and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. To establish a strong defense strategy before entering the courtroom, call the LLF Law Firm Criminal Defense Team now at 888-535-3686 or fill out our confidential consultation form, and we will reach out to you.