Four men from Newark have been indicted in connection with a brutal home invasion that left an elderly couple severely injured and traumatized in Union Township, New Jersey. The incident, which occurred in September 2024, involved a series of violent crimes including burglary, carjacking, assault, and arson.
The Incident
On the morning of September 20, 2024, around 7:30 a.m., four suspects—Asim Key (21), Rahiem Maldonado (23), Altamir Thornton (23), and Yashir Phillips (20)—allegedly forced their way into a private residence on Scott Court, a quiet neighborhood in Union Township. Inside the home, they violently assaulted an elderly couple, demanding the keys to a luxury vehicle parked outside.
The victims, who were not publicly identified for privacy reasons, suffered serious injuries during the attack. The suspects fled the scene in two vehicles: a BMW X3, previously stolen from Livingston, NJ, and the couple’s own luxury car. In addition to the vehicles, the attackers reportedly stole a purse and cash before escaping.
Arson and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities later discovered the stolen BMW X3 in Newark, deliberately set on fire in what appears to have been an attempt to destroy evidence. Investigators believe the suspects were involved in a broader criminal operation, as they had reportedly committed similar crimes in other New Jersey jurisdictions.
The Union County Prosecutor’s Office, working with local and state law enforcement, pieced together surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and witness statements to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible.
Arrests and Charges
Three of the suspects—Maldonado, Thornton, and Phillips—were arrested in November 2024 in Bergen County on unrelated charges. They were held at the Bergen County Jail while further investigations connected them to the Union Township invasion.
The final suspect, Asim Key, was arrested on February 19, 2025, and is currently detained at the Essex County Jail.
All four men have been indicted on multiple felony charges, including:
- First-degree robbery
- First-degree carjacking
- Second-degree burglary
- Second-degree arson
- Aggravated assault
- Theft
If convicted, the suspects could face decades in prison given the severity and violent nature of their crimes.
Community Impact and Safety Concerns
The incident has shaken the residents of Union Township and raised concerns over rising violent crimes targeting vulnerable citizens, particularly the elderly. Local officials have called for increased patrols and public awareness campaigns to help prevent similar crimes.
Union Township Mayor and police officials have encouraged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and take advantage of community resources such as senior check-in programs and neighborhood watch groups.
“We want our senior citizens to feel safe in their homes,” said one local official. “No one should have to endure what this couple went through.”
Government Response and Victim Support
The New Jersey Division of Victim Services, under the Office of the Attorney General, offers support to victims of violent crime, including counseling, compensation, and assistance navigating the legal system.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
As of now, all four defendants remain in custody. Court dates are pending, and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office has stated that it will “aggressively pursue justice for the victims and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”
Law enforcement continues to investigate any additional crimes the suspects may have committed prior to the Union Township home invasion.