EDWARDSVILLE – An Alton man described by prosecutors as the “shot-caller” in the 2024 fatal shooting of 13-year-old Ra’Niya Steward was sentenced Monday to 50 years in prison in Madison County Circuit Court in Edwardsville.
Keith A. Sanders, 26, was sentenced by Associate Judge Neil Schroeder after a January trial in which he was found guilty of one count of first-degree murder and two counts of contributing to the criminal delinquency of a minor.
Before the sentence hearing started, the defense attorney asked Judge Schroeder for a new trial, but he denied her request.
Ra’Niya was shot in the head while standing on a porch in Alton on Feb. 3, 2024, and died 10 days later at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
At trial, prosecutors described Sanders as the “shot-caller” who provided direction and encouragement to co-defendants who fired shots in a neighborhood where a member of a rival gang was believed to be located.
“Every defendant in this case made a choice. But it was this defendant who set a deadly event in motion by directing others to carry out a retaliatory shooting,” State’s Attorney Tom Haine said. “Leadership in a criminal enterprise carries consequences, and today those consequences are reflected in a substantial prison sentence. This perpetrator will be in his 70s before he finishes serving his sentence.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Lauren Maricle, chief of the Violent Crimes Division, and Assistant State’s Attorney Mike Stewart. During Monday’s sentencing hearing, Maricle asked the judge to impose a 60-year sentence.
“You can’t order a hit in a residential area, in broad daylight, in an area where there are children,” Maricle argued. “If you do, you will go to prison for a long time.”
Sanders is one of five people convicted of first-degree murder in connection with Ra’Niya’s death. According to the state’s attorney’s office, one co-defendant provided the guns, one drove the vehicle and two fired shots toward the house.
Haine commended the Alton Police Department, which led the investigation.
“Complex homicide cases demand exceptional teamwork. I commend the investigators who worked tirelessly on this case and the prosecutors who presented it to the jury with skill and professionalism,” Haine said. “Justice is often achieved one step at a time, and today’s sentence marks another important step in ensuring that every individual responsible for Ra’Niya’s death answers for his actions.”
Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said the sentencing brought “another measure of accountability” in the case.
“Today’s sentencing brings another measure of accountability for the senseless murder of 13-year-old Ra’Niya Steward. This case sends a clear message that anyone who plans, directs, or participates in violent crime will be held accountable,” Ford said.
The other defendants in the case are Vito Crowder of Alton, who was sentenced in June to 35 years in prison for first-degree murder and, according to testimony and evidence, was one of the shooters.
Dakota M. Perry of Alton, who pleaded guilty in January to first-degree murder and is awaiting sentencing Aug. 19, when he faces up to 60 years in prison, and who, according to testimony and evidence, was a shooter.
Alvin Perry III of Alton, who pleaded guilty in January to first-degree murder and was sentenced to 23 years in prison and who, according to testimony and evidence, was the driver.
Raysean M. Colvin of Alton, who pleaded guilty in July to first-degree murder and received a 35-year prison sentence, provided the guns used by the shooters.
Under the terms of his plea agreement, Alvin Perry III provided testimony for the prosecution.
