ALTON, Ill. — A fifth and final suspect in the death of 13-year-old Ra'Niya Steward was arrested months after Steward was shot while standing on a porch in Alton, police announced Thursday.
The Alton Police Department announced that Vito K. Crowder was taken into custody Thursday morning. Crowder was charged on Feb. 14 with one count each of first-degree murder and aggravated unlawful use of weapons, which automatically certified the 16-year-old to be tried as an adult.
Crowder was among five people charged in February in the death of Steward, who was shot in the head on Feb. 3 as she stood on the front porch of a home near Highland Avenue and Silver Street. She was flown to a St. Louis hospital for treatment, where she died several days later.
Following Steward's death, charges were upgraded against three adult suspects, and Crowder and an additional teenager were also charged.
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.
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.
Dakota M. Perry, 16, was charged with first-degree murder and unlawful use of weapons.
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.
"The family of Ra’niya are in our continued thoughts and prayers as they await justice from this terrible incident," the Alton Police Department said in a statement.
Alton police said Crowder was taken into custody with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service and the St. Louis and St. Louis County police departments.
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.
To watch 5 On Your Side broadcasts or reports 24/7, 5 On Your Side is always streaming on 5+. Download for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV or the Apple TV App Store.
