ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — A St. Louis County jury found Keith Hill guilty of murder Wednesday in connection to the beating death of his neighbor in 2019.
Editor's note: The above video is from April 21, 2019.
According to the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, the jury convicted Hill of first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary and armed criminal action. The murder conviction has the mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole.
During the trial, prosecutors were able to prove to the jury that Hill forced entry into the Burgos Street home of 63-year-old Michael Shaw on April 18, 2019, and proceeded to beat him to death with a lamp because he refused to give Hill some money. Hill ended up taking Shaw's keys, credit cards, cash and car.
“This is such a senseless killing,” Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell said in a statement. “Clearly, the jury agreed this cold-hearted murderer, burglar and robber has forfeited his right to freedom and deserves to live the rest of his life in prison. I hope this outcome provides some solace to Mr. Shaw’s family and friends.”
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.
Cure Violence is an international organization that is present in a handful of St. Louis neighborhoods. Violence interrupters are trained to de-escalate violent situations within their own communities.
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