Egg Harbor Twp. Man Pleads Guilty to Killing Girlfriend

Prosecutors say he fired five shots into a bedroom closet, striking her.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A 53-year-old Egg Harbor Township man has pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter and weapons charges after admitting he fatally shot his girlfriend inside their home in October 2023. Under a plea deal, he faces 20 years in state prison.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and gun violence in New Jersey communities. It also raises questions about the criminal justice system's ability to prevent repeat offenders from accessing firearms.

The details

According to prosecutors, on the evening of October 26, 2023, Kevin Dorsey was in his Egg Harbor Township home on Zion Road when he fired a revolver five times into a bedroom closet, recklessly causing the death of his 44-year-old girlfriend, Charlena Burnett, who was inside. Dorsey admitted he was prohibited from possessing a gun due to prior convictions.

  • On October 26, 2023, Dorsey fatally shot his girlfriend inside their home.
  • On February 17, 2026, Dorsey pleaded guilty to the charges.

The players

Kevin Dorsey

A 53-year-old Egg Harbor Township resident who pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter and weapons charges for killing his girlfriend.

Charlena Burnett

Dorsey's 44-year-old girlfriend who was killed when he fired five shots into a bedroom closet in their home.

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What’s next

Dorsey will be sentenced on March 18th and is expected to receive 20 years in state prison under the terms of his plea deal.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for stronger domestic violence prevention measures and better enforcement of existing gun laws to keep firearms out of the hands of those prohibited from possessing them, in order to protect vulnerable members of the community.