A 17-year-old is accused of opening fire inside a Saginaw gas station on New Year’s Eve, killing 19-year-old Kendall Berrington — who was days from her due date — and wounding a 22-year-old man, according to police and prosecutors.
Authorities say the gunfire broke out around 1:30 a.m. Dec. 31 inside the Marathon at Court Street near Woodbridge. Investigators allege the teen walked in and immediately targeted another person, sparking an exchange of shots that struck Berrington as she stood near the coolers. The teen, identified in court as Korvareaon Smith, later surrendered with a parent nearly two weeks after the shooting and was arraigned on multiple charges. The case has drawn close attention because of the victim’s age, her pregnancy and the sudden violence in a public place.
Prosecutors described the scene as a shootout that erupted within moments of the teen entering the store. Chief Assistant Prosecutor Blair Stevenson told the court Berrington had stopped for a drink after spending part of the evening at a hospital with contractions. Surveillance video and witness statements, officials said, show the shooter drawing a handgun upon entry and firing toward a rival inside. Berrington was shot in the head and died at the scene. A 22-year-old man with her was critically injured but survived. A mother and her 7-year-old child who were inside at the time were not hit. “The victim was caught in the crossfire,” Stevenson said during the hearing.
Smith, 17, faces counts of open murder, assault with intent to murder, homicide for the willful killing of an unborn quick child, discharging a firearm in or at a building, and multiple felony-firearm charges. He is being held without bond. In court filings summarized by prosecutors, officials argued the teen poses a danger to the community and noted prior juvenile adjudications and violations. Police said Smith turned himself in on Tue., Jan. 13, and was booked into the Saginaw County juvenile detention center before being charged as an adult. Authorities have not announced any additional arrests. Investigators have not publicly detailed how many rounds were fired or what caliber weapon was used.
Berrington’s family said she was due Jan. 14 and planned to name her son Roman. An obituary described her as social and upbeat, someone who loved being around people and lit up family gatherings. Her 19th birthday was Jan. 10. The gas station at 1411 Court St. is a familiar stop for relatives, her brother said, recalling frequent visits together. In the days after the shooting, flowers and candles appeared outside the storefront as workers scrubbed blood from tiled floors and plywood covered a punctured window. Residents said the store’s overnight hours draw steady foot traffic from nearby blocks even in winter cold.
Police have said detectives from the Saginaw Police Department and the Michigan State Police Major Case Unit are leading the investigation, reviewing store video and canvassing for more footage from adjacent businesses. They have urged anyone who was inside the store or in the parking lot around 1:30 a.m. Dec. 31 to contact investigators. Officials have not released a motive beyond saying the teen aimed at a rival inside. They have not identified the wounded 22-year-old or provided an updated condition. Ballistics testing and full autopsy results have not been made public.
At arraignment, Stevenson argued the instant offense showed “callous acts of violence.” Prosecutors said court records reflect that Smith had previously cut off a monitoring tether and failed drug tests while under juvenile supervision. Defense counsel did not speak at length in the initial appearance. A probable cause conference is scheduled for Wed., Jan. 21, with a preliminary examination expected to follow if the case proceeds. If bound over, the matter would move to Saginaw County Circuit Court for trial scheduling. The charges include an offense tied to the unborn child’s death, which in Michigan law can be charged when a fetus that had quickened is killed during a criminal act.
Outside the store, customers filtered in and out on recent nights, pausing at the memorial. “It’s hard to walk past and not think about her,” said Brent Morris, Berrington’s brother. A clerk who asked not to be named said business slowed for a few days after the shooting but has begun to return. “People are nervous,” he said, “but they still need gas and coffee.” A neighbor who lives on Court Street said the station’s bright canopy lights make the corner feel safer than nearby side streets, yet the gunfire shattered any sense of routine. “You don’t expect something like that at 1:30 in the morning when you’re grabbing a pop,” she said.
As of Tuesday, investigators said the case remains active ahead of the Jan. 21 probable cause conference. Prosecutors have not indicated whether additional charges will be considered as evidence is processed. Funeral arrangements for Berrington were posted by her family, who said they plan to remember her as “the life of the party.” Officials said updates on the wounded man’s condition and any further arrests will be provided at upcoming court dates.
Author note: Last updated January 20, 2026.