ALTON, Ill. — The Madison County State's Attorney Tom Haine has filed charges against two 19-year-olds and a 24-year-old in the shooting of a 13-year-old girl standing on a porch in Alton on Saturday, court records show.
The two 19-year-old men, Alvin Perry and Raysean Colvin, are facing numerous charges including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. On Saturday, Alton police announced that a third man, 24-year-old Keith A. Sanders, was charged with one count each of attempted first-degree murder, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and aggravated battery with a firearm.
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The attempted first-degree murder charges, according to Haine, allege that Perry and Colvin were present at the scene of the shooting and possibly discharged a gun in the direction of the victim.
Sanders was taken into custody Friday. According to police, he "encouraged a minor to become delinquent" by telling them that an individual was present at a particular location, knowing the information would cause the minor to act violently.
The girl remained hospitalized as of Wednesday afternoon. Haine said he expected evidence to show she was not the intended target.
“This is a shocking and tragic crime that has understandably alarmed our community,” Haine said in a statement to 5 On Your Side. “However, I can reassure everyone that the Alton Police Department and the State’s Attorney’s Office are committed to keeping our neighborhoods safe and securing justice for victims. Chief Jarrett Ford and Alton Police have worked tirelessly in this investigation.”
Alton last year partnered with UNICEF to become a Child Friendly City. Alton Mayor David Goins said it's a comprehensive process involving government leaders, stakeholders, hospitals and organizations to improve youth violence.
"One thing that stuck out with me when talking to kids at the high school, one big thing was about curbing violence because we had the big school fight earlier this year," Goins explained. "The violence prevention is going to be a huge component in this initiative."
This is a developing incident. This article will be updated with the latest information as it is released.
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