Charlotte man pleads guilty to second-degree murder for shooting at person in car

Kenya Venable sentenced to 13-16 years in prison for 2024 homicide

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A 24-year-old Charlotte man named Kenya Venable has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in Mecklenburg County Superior Court for a 2024 homicide. Venable was sentenced to 13 to 16 years in prison by Judge Donald R. Cureton Jr. for shooting and killing another person on February 24, 2024.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the challenges law enforcement faces in investigating and prosecuting such crimes. The guilty plea and sentencing provide some measure of justice for the victim's family, but also raise questions about the factors that contribute to these types of violent incidents.

The details

According to a police affidavit, Venable and others in cars fired guns at a person in another car on February 14, 2024, in the 2500 block of Little Rock Road in west Charlotte. The victim, 23-year-old Natajah Demetrius Johnson, was pronounced dead at the hospital. Police obtained surveillance footage that showed the shooting, including Venable driving one of the vehicles. Venable initially denied being at the shooting during a police interview but later abandoned his vehicle, which was found with bullet holes in the left rear passenger door.

  • On February 14, 2024, Venable and others in cars fired guns at a person in another car.
  • On February 24, 2024, Venable shot and killed another person.
  • In January 2026, Venable pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in Mecklenburg County Superior Court.

The players

Kenya Venable

A 24-year-old Charlotte man who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for a 2024 homicide.

Natajah Demetrius Johnson

A 23-year-old man who was killed in the shooting incident on February 14, 2024.

Judge Donald R. Cureton Jr.

The judge who sentenced Venable to 13 to 16 years in prison.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Venable to be released on parole after serving a portion of his sentence.

The takeaway

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence in our communities and the importance of comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of such violence, including mental health support, community-based interventions, and stricter gun control measures.