Jury Found Kawanda McDade Guilty of Manslaughter
A jury convicted the Montgomery woman in the 2024 shooting death of her cousin at a local gas station.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Violence
A jury has found Kawanda McDade guilty of manslaughter in the shooting death of her cousin, Natasha McDade. The fatal incident took place at a Circle K store located on Troy Highway.
Why it matters
The verdict follows a trial where the defendant argued her actions were taken in self-defense. The jury's decision rejects this defense, leading to a conviction for the 2024 shooting.
Kawanda McDade was found guilty of manslaughter and now faces 10 to 20 years in prison. The court has scheduled her sentencing hearing for October 2026.
The players
Kawanda McDade
The defendant was found guilty of manslaughter after claiming she acted in self-defense.
Natasha McDade
The victim died from a gunshot wound to the chest during an altercation in 2024.
The details
Kawanda McDade had entered the Circle K on Troy Highway to purchase ice before the encounter with Natasha McDade. During the trial, the defendant claimed she acted in self-defense and sustained minor bruises during the physical altercation that preceded the shooting.
Timeline
Natasha McDade was fatally shot in 2024.
The jury returned a guilty verdict on September 25, 2026.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows standard judicial proceedings for manslaughter charges in Alabama where a self-defense claim is presented. The verdict underscores how local juries interpret the necessity of lethal force during interpersonal physical altercations.
The conclusion of this trial brings the legal process regarding the 2024 shooting to a close for the local community. Residents should note that the court has cleared the way for final sentencing, effectively ending the active trial phase of this case.
The takeaway
The jury's verdict serves as a reminder of how legal systems evaluate claims of self-defense when physical altercations turn lethal. Individuals involved in volatile disputes should recognize the severe legal consequences that follow when such incidents result in fatalities.
What happens next
The sentencing hearing for Kawanda McDade is set to take place in October 2026, where the judge will determine her final prison term within the 10 to 20-year range.
Further reading
Find more coverage on local criminal proceedings in our Violence section.
