ALTON, Ill. — A third suspect has been charged in connection with a shooting that critically injured a 13-year-old girl in Alton, Illinois, in early February.
Alvin Perry, 19, and Raysean Colvin, 19, are facing numerous charges including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. They are accused of firing a gun in the direction of 13-year-old Ra'Niya Steward, striking her in the head as she stood on her home porch on Highland Avenue. The Madison County Prosecuting Attorney's Office charged the two 19-year-olds last week.
Alton police announced on Saturday that a third defendant, Keith Sanders, 24, is facing first-degree attempted murder, contributing to the delinquency or criminal delinquency of a minor and aggravated battery with a firearm. These charges were initially filed on Tuesday but remained under seal until he was taken into custody. He was arrested during a traffic stop Friday afternoon without incident.
According to police, Sanders "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.
Editor's note: The above-related video was originally broadcast on Feb. 8, 2024.
The Alton community united to pray for 13-year-old Ra'Niya Steward on Thursday. The girl was shot in the head and remained in the hospital as of Saturday afternoon.
Prosecuting Attorney Tom Haine said he expected the evidence to show that the girl was not a targeted victim.
The case remains under investigation by the Alton Police Department.
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.