ALTON, IL (TCD) — Five people, including four teenagers, have been charged with first-degree murder after a 13-year-old girl died from her injuries after being shot in the head.
Ra'niya Steward was shot Feb. 3 in the 900 block of Highland Avenue as a result of “senseless violence,” according to Madison County State's Attorney Matt Haine. Steward was taken to a hospital in St. Louis in critical condition, where he remained until he died from his injuries on Tuesday, February 13. “We expect there will be evidence that she was not the intended target,” Hein said.
Alvin Perry III and Raysean Colvin, both 19, were arrested Feb. 7 and charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. done. . Colvin is also charged with illegal sale or delivery of firearms.
On February 10, the State Attorney's Office announced that a third suspect, Keith Sanders, 24, was taken into custody on charges of attempted first-degree murder, delinquency of a minor and aggravated battery with a firearm. The statement alleges that Sanders encouraged the delinquency of minors “by advising minors about the presence of certain individuals in certain locations knowing that the information would cause the minors to act in a violent manner.”
The statement alleges that Sanders or the minor responsible for him fired the gun that eventually killed Steward.
After Steward's death on February 13, the State Attorney's Office upgraded the charge from attempted first-degree murder to first-degree murder. Additionally, 16-year-olds Vito Crowder and Dakota Perry were charged with first-degree murder and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. Haine said the murder charges filed against Crowder and Perry make them automatically eligible to be tried as adults.
Sanders, Alvin Perry and Colvin are in custody, but Dakota Perry and Crowder have not yet been caught.
According to court documents cited by the Alton Telegraph, Sanders told the minors that “private rivals are in certain locations” and that they should “bring guns if they are going to attempt an armed robbery, shoot, or scare them.” Rival forces of individuals.”
They reportedly targeted teenagers with criminal records and 19-year-olds.
Alvin Perry allegedly took Crowder and Dakota Perry to a home on Long Street “with the intent to discharge a firearm.” After the shooting, Sanders reportedly drove them to his home. Colvin reportedly gave the gun to a minor.
Haine said in a statement, “This incident is beyond tragic. A beautiful young girl's life has been lost and our community is heartbroken. Ra'niya, her family and loved ones remain in our prayers.” said.
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