A pregnant woman, just weeks from giving birth, has been shot and killed at a petrol station in Michigan, with her family mourning the loss of two beautiful lives taken too soon.
A Heartbreaking Loss of Life
Kendall Berrington, a 19-year-old from Saginaw, was found with fatal gunshot wounds at a Marathon gas station on Court Street in the early hours of Wednesday, 31 December. The incident occurred at approximately 1.34 am, about 100 miles north of Detroit.
A 22-year-old man was also shot during the attack and remains hospitalised. Authorities have confirmed the shooting is not being treated as an attempted robbery. Detective Sergeant Oscar Lopez described the event as a heartbreaking loss, made profoundly more tragic by Ms Berrington's pregnancy.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Kendall’s family, friends and loved ones as they face an unimaginable loss," Sergeant Lopez stated.
Family's Grief and Call for Justice
Ms Berrington was nearly nine months pregnant and eagerly awaiting the arrival of her first child, a son she had named Romen. She was due to deliver on 14 January. In a poignant Facebook post from November 2025, she wrote: "Man words can only say so much but mommy can’t wait for you to be in her arms."
Her mother, Tammy Houck, paid a moving tribute online, writing: "[Two] beautiful lives taken from us. One didn’t get to experience the outside but he was still beautiful." She vowed that justice would be served for her daughter and grandson.
The victim's sister, Jasmine Dixon, has set up a GoFundMe page to help the family with funeral costs and to support their mother, who has existing health challenges. "The shock and pain of losing her so suddenly is something our family is still struggling to process," Ms Dixon wrote.
Ongoing Investigation and Appeal
Police said Ms Berrington and the wounded man were walking to the gas station when an unidentified gunman shot them and fled the scene. Detectives are continuing their investigation and have launched a manhunt for the shooter.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the gunman's identity or whereabouts to come forward. Tipsters can contact detectives directly at 989-759-1488 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1-800-422-5245.
The community of Saginaw and the family are now left grappling with a double tragedy, seeking answers and closure in the wake of this senseless violence.
