Judge Imposes Extended Prison Term In 2023 Killing Of Charlena Burnett; Defendant Admitted To Illegal Firearm Purchase & Use

Thursday, March 19, 2026, 8:00 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP, NJ.- An Egg Harbor Township man has been sentenced to 20 years in New Jersey State Prison for the fatal shooting of his girlfriend inside their shared home, authorities announced Wednesday.

     The Honorable Ralph Paolone, J.S.C., on March 18, 2026, imposed an aggregate 20-year sentence on Kevin Dorsey, 53, following his conviction on charges stemming from the October 26, 2023, killing of Charlena Burnett.

     According to investigators, officers from the Egg Harbor Township Police Department responded to a 911 Emergency Call at a residence on Zion Road on the evening of the incident. Upon arrival, police discovered Burnett suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

     A subsequent investigation led by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit determined that Dorsey shot Burnett multiple times inside the couple’s shared bedroom. Authorities recovered a revolver handgun believed to have been used in the shooting.

     Prosecutors stated that Dorsey, who was legally prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior disqualifying offenses, admitted to purchasing the weapon illegally approximately one year before the killing. He further admitted to using that firearm to shoot Burnett.

     As part of the sentencing, Dorsey received an extended term of 20 years on the charge of Certain Person Not to Possess a Firearm. That sentence includes a mandatory minimum of 10 years of parole ineligibility.

     On a separate amended charge of aggravated manslaughter, Dorsey was sentenced to 17 years in prison, to be served concurrently. Under New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA), he must serve 85% of that sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

     Dorsey has remained in custody at the Atlantic County Justice Facility since his arrest on October 26, 2023.

     The case represents the culmination of a multi-agency investigation and prosecution effort focused on violent crime enforcement and illegal firearm possession in Atlantic County.

Editor’s Note:

This report was written by Art Fletcher and is based on official sentencing information released by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office and law enforcement records. Sentencing details, including parole eligibility, are governed by New Jersey statutes.