On a Sunday afternoon in Montgomery, Alabama, the life of Natasha McDade, a 49-year-old Black woman, was cut short by a sudden act of violence. On June 23, 2024, Natasha was working her shift as a cashier at the Circle K gas station in the 4000 block of Troy Highway. What began as a verbal dispute with a relative would soon escalate, ending her life.
The events that led to the shooting were later detailed in court through surveillance footage and witness testimony.
Natasha’s cousin, Kawanda McDade, entered the store that afternoon to buy a bag of ice. After leaving, she returned and began a verbal altercation with Natasha. The argument spilled out of the store and into the parking lot, where Kawanda shoved Natasha. She then pulled a handgun from her purse and shot her cousin once in the chest.
Police and fire medics were dispatched to the scene at approximately 5:11 p.m. They found Natasha McDade with a fatal gunshot wound and pronounced her dead. The investigation moved quickly, and authorities identified Kawanda McDade, then 41 years old, as the suspect. She was taken into custody shortly after the shooting and charged with murder. She was subsequently incarcerated at the Montgomery County Detention Facility without bond.
During her trial, Kawanda McDade testified that she had acted in self-defense and had sustained minor bruises during the fight. However, a Montgomery County jury rejected her claim. In September 2026, the jury found Kawanda McDade guilty of manslaughter in Natasha’s death.
Following the verdict, the district attorney’s office stated, “Natasha McDade’s life was taken far too soon, leaving behind loved ones who will carry this loss with them forever.” As of September 2026, Kawanda McDade was awaiting sentencing, which was scheduled for October. She faced a prison term of 10 to 20 years.
