ST. LOUIS — A man was sentenced to life in prison without parole Friday in the fatal shooting of a man during a neighborhood barbecue in 2020, according to a release from the 22nd Judicial Circuit of Missouri.
Kennice Brock, 51, of Memphis was convicted of first-degree murder and armed criminal action last month in St. Louis Circuit Court. It was the first murder conviction for the St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office since it came under the leadership of Gabe Gore.
A spokesperson for the circuit attorney's office said Brock was convicted of first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the death of Carl Netter.
Prosecutors said that in July 2020, Brock walked into a barbecue being held at Biker's Corner, located at 1924 Vandeventer Ave., and shot Netter after being asked repeatedly to put his gun away. The shooting was captured on video.
Brock then fled to Memphis, authorities said.
In court Friday, Netter’s relatives said they were heartbroken over his death and that he was one of eight siblings.
"His favorite words were ‘put me in coach’ because he was there for us,” Lisa Netter, one of Netter's seven siblings, said in court Friday. "... I feel like today, justice is served."
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Circuit Attorney Srikand Chigurupati, who credited solid police work and clear surveillance video with helping to secure Brock's conviction.
According to the circuit court, Brock plans to appeal.
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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