EDWARDSVILLE — A St. Louis woman was sentenced Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, to 35 years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree murder in the April 2025 shooting death of an acquaintance in Granite City, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced.
Brittany D. Howard, 39, pleaded guilty in the death of Kenneth Whitehorn, 58, of St. Louis. Investigators determined the shooting involved drugs and money.
Whitehorn’s body was found April 24, 2025, at the end of a tree line near Alton Street and Pontoon Road. He had been shot in the head.
Howard must serve her entire sentence. Circuit Judge Amy Maher presided at the plea hearing.
“We hope this conviction and sentence bring some healing and justice to what was a terrible crime in our community,” Haine said. “Our office will always follow the evidence, apply the law and ensure accountability for such heinous acts. We are glad Brittany Howard has now admitted guilt and will serve a substantial prison sentence for her crime.”
Two co-defendants are awaiting trial.
DeWayne Franklin, 43, of St. Louis, is charged with first-degree murder under the law of accountability, possession of a weapon by a felon and aggravated unlawful possession of weapons. He remains in the Madison County Jail awaiting trial.
Michael E. McCollum, 76, of Florissant, Missouri, is charged with two counts of obstructing justice and one count of aggravated unlawful possession of weapons. He allegedly provided false information to police, washed and vacuumed a vehicle, and possessed a handgun. He was released under provisions of the SAFE-T Act.
The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis and the Granite City Police Department led the investigation, with assistance from the Pontoon Beach Police Department and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant State’s Attorneys Mike Stewart and Luke Yager prosecuted the case.
“This case required a thorough investigation and coordination among multiple law enforcement agencies to establish what happened and the roles played by those involved,” Haine said. “I commend the law enforcement agencies and our prosecution team for their work in bringing this case to a successful resolution.”
