Teen accused of killing another teen in Pemberton Township, prosecutors say

PEMBERTON TWP. - An 18-year-old township man is accused of killing one teenager and wounding another during an argument here.

Kai Johnson allegedly shot Malachi Treherne, 17, of Pemberton Township, and a girl, also 17, on the night of Oct. 18, according to the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office.

Treherne was shot around 11:35 p.m. while visiting a home on the 100 block of Snow Avenue in the Browns Mills area, the prosecutor's office said in a statement.

His body was found lying in the home's front doorway, the statement said.

A GoFundMe drive seeking financial support for Treherne's funeral had raised more than $6,600 by Monday afternoon.

"For those of you who knew Malachi, you know much of a good kid he was," says the appeal by the victim's brother, Phillip Craig of Pemberton Township.

"You'll remember him as a great athlete with a big heart," Craig wrote of his slain brother.

"You'll remember how goofy he would get during funny times, his creative writing that he was so proud of and couldn't wait to share with you, his laugh that would make you laugh and his smile that would make you smile."

Treherne died as a result of two gunshot wounds to his head, the prosecutor's office said in a statement Monday.

The female victim, whose name was not released, survived a gunshot wound to her chest.

"The investigation revealed that Johnson and (Treherne) were having an argument inside the house when Johnson pulled out a gun and shot both victims," the statement said.

"Other people present in the home at the time of the shooting, including a two-year-old boy, were not injured," it added.

Local:South Jersey airman donates memorable blouse to Air Force museum

Crime:Online romance leads to criminal charges against Pitman man, Georgia woman

Johnson is charged with murder, attempted murder and aggravated assault in connection with the 11:35 p.m. shooting. He is also accused of weapons offenses and endangering the welfare of a child.

The charges are only allegations. Johnson has not been convicted in the case.

The Pemberton Township man, who turned himself in to police on Friday, was being held Monday in Burlington County Jail.

Jim Walsh covers public safety, economic development and other beats for the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal.

Support local journalism with a subscription.