A tragedy has struck the family of Minnesota Timberwolves forward Naz Reid after his older sister, Toraya Reid, was shot and killed in Jackson Township, New Jersey, on Saturday, Sept. 6. She was 28 years old.
What Happened in Jackson Township
According to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, police were called to the Larsen Road apartment complex around 11 a.m. local time. Officers found Toraya unresponsive near the entrance with multiple gunshot wounds.
Additional officers responding to the scene spotted a man running nearby. He was identified as 29-year-old Shaquille Green, who was in a relationship with Toraya. Green was taken into custody without incident and later charged with murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon.
Remembering Toraya Reid
Toraya was the eldest of the Reid siblings, which include Naz and their younger sister Jakahya. All three attended Roselle Catholic High School in northern New Jersey, where Toraya briefly played softball.
Naz Reid has spoken in the past about Toraya’s protective nature. In a 2023 interview with Minneapolis-St. Paul magazine, he said:
“My older sister is super protective. She treats us like she’s our parent.”
On Sunday, Sept. 7, Naz shared childhood photos of himself and Toraya on Instagram Stories, showing the two together in red outfits and another of Toraya smiling with pigtails.
Family Grieves the Loss
Toraya’s younger sister, Jakahya, posted an emotional tribute on Facebook, asking for privacy as the family grieves.
“We always send our condolences and say we could never imagine ourselves in that situation… and yet here I am. Facing the unimaginable. Without you by my side,” she wrote.
In another post, she emphasized her sister’s identity:
“My sister has a name. She is not just some girl, she’s not just the NBA superstar sister. She has a name and that is Toraya Reid.”
Legal Proceedings
Green is being held at the Ocean County Jail as he awaits a detention hearing.
A Broader Issue
Authorities have confirmed that Toraya and Green had been in a dating relationship. Her death highlights the dangers of domestic violence, which claims lives across the U.S. every year.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential help and support.
