Two Men Plead Guilty in 2019 Shooting Death of Charlotte Mother Bringing Long-Awaited Break in the Case

Justice Moves Forward in Tragic Killing of Nursing Student and Young Mother

Nearly six years after the tragic shooting death of a Charlotte nursing student and mother of two, two of the men accused in her killing have accepted plea deals, marking a significant development in a case that has haunted the local community since 2019.

Reduced Charges Following Guilty Pleas

On Tuesday, Tychius Dobie and Marquis Smith, two of the three men charged in the 2019 killing of 27-year-old Kendal Crank, pleaded guilty in court. In exchange for their pleas, their initial charges of first-degree murder were reduced to involuntary manslaughter, according to official court records.

The pleas represent a major shift in the legal proceedings, bringing the case closer to resolution after years of delays and heartbreak for the victim's family.

Details of the Incident That Claimed an Innocent Life

The fatal shooting took place in March 2019, near an intersection in Charlotte. Witnesses at the time reported that several individuals were exchanging gunfire, and Crank—an innocent bystander—was tragically caught in the crossfire. Her car came to a stop as the suspects fled the scene, leaving her fatally wounded inside.

Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene.

Crank was a beloved member of her community, a graduate of Independence High School, and was actively studying to become a nurse. She was also a devoted mother to two young children, 9-year-old Lamaya and 3-year-old Kyrie, who were left behind in the wake of her sudden and senseless death.

Trial and Legal Updates

The third suspect in the case, Adonis Smith, faced trial in March 2025 for his alleged role in Crank’s death. That trial resulted in a mistrial, and his legal proceedings remain ongoing.

While Dobie and Marquis Smith's plea agreements do not bring Kendal Crank back, they mark a turning point in a prolonged legal battle and may provide some sense of closure for the grieving family and community members who have waited years for justice.

A Community Still Healing

The loss of Kendal Crank remains a painful memory for Charlotte residents, especially those who knew her personally. Described as bright, caring, and full of promise, her death serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the toll gun violence takes on innocent lives.

As the community reflects on her legacy, the plea agreements offer a measure of accountability—and a hope that her children can grow up knowing that those responsible for taking their mother’s life are being held accountable.

Moving Forward While Honoring a Life Lost Too Soon

While legal processes continue, Kendal Crank’s story has become a symbol of the urgent need for peace and reform. Her life, dreams, and role as a mother live on through her children and through the calls for change her death continues to inspire.

The long-delayed progress in this case offers a sobering, yet essential reminder—justice may take time, but it must not be denied.