On Monday, July 6, 2026, a judge in Edwardsville sentenced Alton resident Keith Sanders to 50 years in prison for his role in a drive-by shooting that killed 13-year-old Ra'Niya Steward in February 2024. Sanders was convicted in January 2026 of first-degree murder and two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Associate Judge Neil Schroeder ordered Sanders to serve the entire 50-year term, with credit for time already served, followed by three years of supervised release, officials said. In a press release from the Madison County State's Attorney's Office, prosecutors labeled Sanders the "shot-caller" who set the shooting in motion and noted they had pushed for a longer sentence.
How the killing unfolded
The shooting took place on Feb. 3, 2024, in the 900 block of Highland Avenue after a group drove into the neighborhood looking for rival gang members. Ra'Niya Steward, 13, was standing on a porch when she was struck by gunfire; she died 10 days later at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Prosecutors told jurors the attack was gang-related and that Steward was not the intended target, details that came out during the trial. The Telegraph reported on the shooting scene and the court proceedings.
Co-defendants and pleas
Several other men charged in the case have already pleaded guilty or been sentenced. Prosecutors identified Vito Crowder as one of the shooters; he pleaded guilty and received a 35-year prison term in June. Alvin Perry III, whom prosecutors say drove the vehicle, was sentenced to 23 years. Raysean M. Colvin, accused of providing the guns, pleaded guilty and was given 35 years in an earlier proceeding. Dakota M. Perry, described as another alleged shooter, has also pleaded guilty and is awaiting a sentencing date, according to local coverage. RiverBender has tracked the pleas and penalties as the case has moved through the courts.
Prosecutors and family reaction
Madison County State's Attorney Tom Haine said the sentence reflects accountability for planning and directing violence, while Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford called the outcome another measure of justice for the "senseless murder" of a child. Defense attorneys argued for leniency and filed a motion for a new trial, which was dismissed before sentencing, according to reporting on the case. The Madison County State's Attorney's Office provided statements and court details in public releases.
Local television outlets also covered the hearing. KSDK posted video coverage of the sentencing and community reaction.
