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SAGINAW, Mich. (DailyKenn.com) — Teen Faces Murder Charges in Shooting Death of Pregnant Woman and Unborn Child
Authorities have charged a 17-year-old boy in the fatal shooting of a pregnant 19-year-old woman inside a local gas station on New Year's Eve, an incident that also left a man critically wounded and shocked the community.
Kendall Lou Marie Berrington, who was nine months pregnant with her first child, entered the Marathon gas station in the 1400 block of Court Street shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Dec. 31, 2025, accompanied by a 22-year-old male friend. According to police, the pair had stopped to buy a soda when Korvareon R. Smith walked in moments later. Prosecutors say Smith immediately pulled out a handgun and opened fire on the man, sparking an exchange of gunfire that struck Berrington in the head. She collapsed near the counter and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders, who later discovered her pregnancy during their assessment. Her unborn son, whom she had named Roman and was due to deliver in mid-January, also perished in the attack.
The male victim, whose identity has not been released, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition, though he survived. A store clerk was behind the counter at the time, and a woman shopping with her 7-year-old child stood just inches from Berrington when the shots rang out; both escaped unharmed but described the chaos as terrifying, with bullets shattering glass and ricocheting off shelves, according to witness statements provided to investigators.
Smith fled the scene but surrendered to Saginaw police on Jan. 13, 2026, accompanied by a parent. Charged as an adult, he faces counts including open murder, assault with intent to murder, homicide of an unborn child, discharging a firearm in a building, and four felony firearm violations. During his arraignment in Saginaw County District Court the following day, a judge ordered him held without bond at the county's juvenile detention center, citing his prior juvenile record that includes probation violations. A probable cause conference is set for Jan. 21.
Family members expressed profound grief over the loss. Berrington's brother, Brent Morris, recalled frequent visits to the same gas station with his sister and shared his disbelief upon hearing the news, saying he initially thought it was a dream. He described Berrington, a 2024 graduate of Coopersville High School who had recently moved to Saginaw from western Michigan, as a strong and beloved young woman excited about motherhood. "Everyone loved her," Morris said, adding that he had looked forward to being an uncle to Roman and now seeks accountability for the tragedy. Other relatives echoed the sentiment, noting Berrington's blended family of seven siblings had rallied around her during a baby shower in October, offering support as she prepared for single parenthood.
The shooting marked Saginaw's 14th homicide of 2025, with police calling it a heartbreaking escalation of violence that claimed two innocent lives. Community members have rallied online with calls for justice, and a crowdfunding campaign launched by Berrington's sister has raised funds for cremation costs and to aid their mother's health struggles. Detectives continue to urge anyone with information to contact authorities, emphasizing the need for thorough accountability in the case.
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