Video: A drug deal gone bad led to Zackay Rieken being murdered
In May 2026 Smajie Sanjie Johnson, 18, and Jeremiah Childers, 18, pled guilty to the murder of Zackay Rieken, 18, in Charlotte, NC. Maximillian Ruggiero, 19, pled guilty to accessory after the fact to murder.
Zackay was murdered on October 25, 2024 outside of a home on James Blakeney Ave. Charlotte, NC. Zackay and the suspects were meeting for a drug deal. The suspects then tried to rob Zackay and shot him dead.
Zackay then crashed into a yard and died. The suspects were arrested charged with murder. Jeremiah pled guilty to second degree murder and conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon, he was sentenced to 125-162 months in prison.
Sanjie pled guilty to second degree murder and conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon, he was sentenced to 157-201 months in prison.
Maximillian pled guilty to accessory after the fact to second degree murder and was given 67-93 months in prison.
