ALTON, Ill. — A 13-year-old girl who was shot in the head in Alton earlier this month has died, Madison County State's Attorney Tom Haine said Wednesday.
Following Ra'Niya Steward's death, charges were upgraded against three suspects, and two additional teenagers were also charged in connection with the shooting.
In a news release, Haine and Alton police Chief Jarrett Ford confirmed Steward's death, more than a week after she was shot while standing on the front porch of an Alton home.
The shooting happened on Feb. 3 at the home near the intersection of Highland Avenue and Silver Street. Police said Steward was standing on the porch at about 3 p.m. when she was shot and critically injured. She was flown to a St. Louis hospital for treatment but died from her injuries on Tuesday afternoon.
Five people are now charged in connection with her death.
Alvin Perry and Raysean Colvin, both 19, are facing numerous charges, including first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon.
On Saturday, Keith A. Sanders, 24, was charged with one count each of first-degree murder, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and aggravated battery with a firearm.
The charges against Perry and Colvin allege that they were present at the scene of the shooting and possibly discharged a gun in the direction of the victim, according to Haine.
Police said Sanders "encouraged a minor to become delinquent" by telling Perry and Colvin that a person was at a particular location, knowing the information would cause them to act violently.
Two additional teenagers were charged as adults on Wednesday in connection with the shooting. Vito K. Crowder and Dakota M. Perry, both 16, were each charged with one count each of first-degree murder and aggravated unlawful use of weapons.
Crowder and Dakota Perry were not in custody as of Wednesday afternoon. Sanders, Colvin and Alvin Perry remained in custody at the Madison County Jail.
Police asked anyone with information about the shooting to call 618-463-3505, ext. 671.
A GoFundMe page was also established with funds going directly to the family. The fundraiser was organized by Megan Tyler of Sacred Spaces of CARE.
To make an in-person donation, visit Liberty Bank on Homer Adams Parkway in Alton and reference the "Ra'Niya Memorial Fund" account. Donations must be cash only.
Resources for crime victims
If you have been a victim of a crime or know someone who has been, 5 On Your Side has compiled a list of resources.
The Crime Victim Center of St. Louis has multiple programs to support victims of crime. Crime Victim Center’s programs range from direct services to crime victims as well as “creating awareness and change within the systems they encounter.”
Life Outside of Violence "helps those harmed by stabbing, gunshot or assault receive the treatment, support and resources they need to find alternatives to end the cycle of violence."
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has the Neighborhood Healing Network, which serves people who have experienced crime, violence or been the victim of an incident that caused trauma.
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