In Alton, Illinois, a heartbreaking incident has led to the charging of five individuals, including four teenagers, with first-degree murder after a 13-year-old girl was shot in the head and later succumbed to her injuries.
Madison County State’s Attorney Matt Haine revealed that Ra’niya Steward was shot on Feb. 3 on the 900 block of Highland Avenue in what he described as “senseless violence.” Steward was rushed to a St. Louis hospital in critical condition, where she fought for her life until her tragic passing on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Haine stated that evidence suggests she was not the intended target of the shooting.
Two 19-year-olds, Alvin Perry III and Raysean Colvin, were apprehended on 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 weapons. Colvin is also facing charges of unlawful sale or delivery of firearms.
On Feb. 10, the state’s attorney’s office announced the arrest of a third suspect, 24-year-old Keith Sanders, on charges of attempted first-degree murder, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and aggravated battery with a firearm. The statement alleges that Sanders “encouraged a minor to become delinquent by providing information that would incite violent behavior.”