On the evening of October 26, 2023, the life of 44-year-old Charlena Burnett was tragically cut short in her Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, home. Police responded to a 9-1-1 call regarding a shooting at the Zion Road residence at approximately 7:30 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered Burnett inside with multiple gunshot wounds.
Her 51-year-old boyfriend, Kevin Dorsey, with whom she lived, was present at the scene. According to authorities, Dorsey made admissions to the patrol officers who arrived and confessed to the shooting. He was immediately taken into custody. Dorsey was subsequently charged with murder and several weapons offenses, including unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
He was then transported to the Atlantic County Justice Facility.
Further investigation into Dorsey's background revealed a significant criminal history, including 12 prior convictions and multiple prison sentences. It also came to light that he had a history of domestic violence, with restraining orders filed against him by four other women. During a detention hearing, a judge ordered Dorsey to be held without bail, citing him as a danger to the community. Burnett's father described her as 'the glue that held the family together,' expressing profound grief over the loss of his daughter. Her daughters started a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral expenses.
