EDWARDSVILLE – Vito Crowder pleaded guilty Thursday, June 11, 2026, to murder in the death of 13-year-old Ra’Niya Steward and was sentenced to 35 years in prison, closing one part of a case stemming from the fatal shooting of the Alton girl as she stood on her porch on Highland Avenue.
Crowder was among five suspects charged in the shooting of Steward, who was struck in the head. Prosecutors initially charged all five with attempted murder, but amended the charges to first-degree murder after Steward died at a St. Louis hospital.
During sentencing, Madison County Assistant State’s Attorney Michael Stewart argued that Crowder should receive the maximum 60-year sentence. Stewart said Crowder was one of the shooters and cited what he described as reckless conduct. He also argued that Crowder was looking for his stripes in the gang and that he knew better than to shoot.
“Our prayers remain with the family and loved ones of Ra’Niya, an innocent child whose life was taken by a group of violent young men,” Madison County State’s Attorney Thomas Haine said. “She was not the intended target, yet she and her family paid the ultimate price. Today’s result is another important step toward justice for Ra’Niya.”
Crowder’s attorney, Robert Bas, asked for the minimum 20-year sentence, arguing that Crowder was 16 years old and that adults were telling him to shoot.
“Our prayers remain with the family and loved ones of Ra’Niya, an innocent child whose life was taken by a group of violent young men,” Haine said. “She was not the intended target, yet she and her family paid the ultimate price. Today’s result is another important step toward justice for Ra’Niya.”
According to testimony and evidence, Crowder and one of his co-defendants fired shots at the porch after they were told members of a rival gang were in the area.
At a sentencing hearing Thursday, Alton Police Detective Jacob Stewart testified that Crowder fled the area and went into hiding after the shooting, but when taken into custody roughly six months later, Crowder admitted his involvement.
Assistant State’s Attorney Mike Stewart asked the judge to impose a 60-year sentence. “He’s earned his stripes,” Stewart argued. “Give him his stripes.”
Madison County Circuit Judge Amy Maher sentenced Crowder to 35 years in prison. Crowder had faced a sentencing range of 20 to 60 years.
During the hearing, Ra’Niya’s teacher wrote an impact statement about how great she was in school and how senseless the shooting was. Assistant State’s Attorney Lauren Maricle read the letter in court.
Crowder also addressed the court and told the Steward family he was sorry for killing her and that he wished he had told the other defendants no.
Among the other defendants, Alvin Perry III was sentenced to 23 years in prison. Raysean Colvin, 21, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder last July and was sentenced to 35 years in prison. Dakota Perry and Keith Sanders have not been sentenced.
