Long Branch Man Admits to Fatal Stabbing of Local Resident

Nija Faust pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter for killing Eren Kurkcu last March.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A 22-year-old Long Branch man named Nija Faust has pleaded guilty to a charge of first-degree aggravated manslaughter for fatally stabbing another local man, 35-year-old Eren Kurkcu, in March of last year. Kurkcu was found suffering from multiple stab wounds and died the next day at a local hospital. Another individual, 21-year-old Santana Rivera-Cosme, was also charged in connection with the crime and has pleaded guilty to second-degree aggravated assault.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of violent crime in the Long Branch community and the need for continued efforts to address the underlying factors that contribute to such incidents. The guilty plea from Faust provides some closure for Kurkcu's family, but also raises questions about the factors that led to the fatal altercation and what can be done to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The details

According to the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, Faust fatally stabbed Kurkcu on March 7, 2025 in the vicinity of the 200 block of Broadway in Long Branch. Kurkcu was found by police at 11:33 pm that night and died the following day at a local hospital. In addition to Faust's guilty plea to first-degree aggravated manslaughter, 21-year-old Santana Rivera-Cosme also previously pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree aggravated assault in connection with the incident.

  • Kurkcu was found by Long Branch Police at 11:33 p.m. on March 7, 2025.
  • Kurkcu died at a local hospital the day after the stabbing, on March 8, 2025.
  • Faust pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated manslaughter on March 4, 2026.
  • Faust will be sentenced on June 12, 2026.

The players

Nija Faust

A 22-year-old Long Branch resident who pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated manslaughter for fatally stabbing Eren Kurkcu.

Eren Kurkcu

A 35-year-old Long Branch resident who was fatally stabbed by Nija Faust in March 2025.

Santana Rivera-Cosme

A 21-year-old Long Branch resident who was also charged in connection with the crime and has pleaded guilty to second-degree aggravated assault.

Raymond Santiago

The Monmouth County Prosecutor who announced Faust's guilty plea.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to work tirelessly to address the root causes of violence in our communities and provide the resources and support needed to prevent such senseless acts.”

— Raymond Santiago, Monmouth County Prosecutor (Patch.com)

What’s next

Faust will be sentenced on June 12, 2026, and the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office has stated they will ask that he serve 26 years in state prison, with a requirement to serve 85% of the sentence before being eligible for parole.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement and community leaders in addressing violent crime and providing support and resources to prevent such incidents. While the guilty plea provides some closure, it also raises difficult questions about the underlying factors that contributed to this senseless loss of life and what more can be done to promote safety and healing in the Long Branch community.