Jury Selection Begins in Teen Murder Trial in Edwardsville

EDWARDSVILLE — Jury selection is set to begin today in the murder trial of Keith A. Sanders, one of four suspects charged in the February 2024 shooting death of 13-year-old Ra’Niya Steward.

The proceedings will start at 12:30 p.m. before Associate Judge Neil Schroeder in Madison County. Sanders, 26, faces two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of contributing to the criminal delinquency of a minor, all Class M felonies.

Steward was shot on Feb. 3, 2024, while standing on the porch of a home in the 900 block of Highland Avenue. She was transported to a St. Louis area hospital, where she later died from her injuries.

On Aug. 1, 2025, the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a motion seeking to introduce evidence of Sanders’ alleged gang affiliation. Prosecutors intend to present testimony and other evidence to provide the jury with context regarding the motivations behind the shooting.

According to the motion, all five individuals charged were present on Highland Avenue on the night of the shooting amid “an ongoing dispute with individuals from a rival gang.” The dispute reportedly began online, involving a social media feud in which individuals named Colvin and Dakota displayed firearms, and a member of the “West Side” gang responded by showing a firearm.

The trial is expected to provide further details as the case proceeds. A reporter will be present at the trial to cover the developments.

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