On December 3, 2023, 14-year-old Johnnie McClendon, a student and basketball player at Garinger High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, was fatally shot at his residence on Keswick Avenue. The incident occurred around 7:40 p.m., and upon arrival, paramedics pronounced Johnnie dead at the scene.
In the early stages of the investigation, authorities identified 19-year-old Myhijee Major as a suspect.
Major turned himself in to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department on December 5, 2023. After being interviewed by detectives, he was charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with Johnnie's death.
Court documents revealed that Major was showing Johnnie a gun when it accidentally discharged, resulting in the fatal shooting. Following the incident, Major fled the scene but later surrendered to law enforcement. During his court appearance, it was noted that Major had multiple pending charges from the previous year, including possession of a stolen firearm, larceny, and possession of a stolen vehicle.
The tragic death of Johnnie McClendon has deeply affected the local community, prompting discussions about youth access to firearms and the importance of responsible gun ownership. Community leaders and activists have expressed their grief and concern, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to prevent such incidents in the future.
