Murder Trial Continues for Keith Sanders in Teen Shooting

EDWARDSVILLE — The trial of Keith A. Sanders, charged with the murder of 13-year-old Ra’Niya Steward, continued Tuesday with the prosecution presenting testimony from 11 witnesses on the second day of proceedings.

Sanders, who waived his right to a jury trial on Monday and requested a bench trial, is accused of orchestrating the shooting that resulted in Steward’s death. Prosecutors allege Sanders instructed four co-defendants to carry out the shooting amid an ongoing dispute between rival gangs.

“The shooting was from an ongoing dispute with individuals,” prosecutors said, noting the conflict initially unfolded on social media.

Defendants Colvin and Dakota Perry reportedly brandished firearms online in a feud with a member of the “West Side” gang, who responded by displaying a firearm. Prosecutors said the defendants intended to shoot two males but mistakenly shot Ra’Niya Steward instead.

On Monday, opening statements were heard from both sides, and the prosecution began calling witnesses. Michael Stewart and Lauren Maricle are leading the prosecution.

Tuesday’s testimony began with Tiffany Miller, the victim’s mother. Miller said she was sitting in a vehicle when she heard what she initially thought were fireworks, followed by screams. Upon exiting the vehicle, she saw her daughter had been shot and observed two individuals running across a nearby field.

Co-defendant Vito Crowder took the stand next. Crowder testified that Sanders arrived before the shooting and told the group he would “do it” but had to leave for his daughter’s birthday. When asked by prosecutors what Sanders meant, Crowder said Sanders told them to “go slide on them.” On cross-examination, Crowder clarified that Sanders did not explicitly say to shoot, only to “go slide on them.”

Alvin Perry III, another co-defendant, testified that Sanders pulled up in a white car while he, Colvin, Dakota Perry, and Crowder were on Highland Avenue and informed them of the location of the two intended victims.

Later in the afternoon, Dakota Perry another co-defendant, testified that Sanders instructed them to stay off live stream because police were watching. On cross-examination, Perry confirmed Sanders was not present during the shooting.

Lt. Andrew Pierson of the Alton Police Department testified about video footage from a nearby residence that captured Sanders’ car leaving the area before the shooting occurred.

The trial will start back up on Wednesday.

More like this:

Judge Convicts Keith Sanders of First-Degree Murder

Jan 16, 2026

Gary Johnson Sentenced to Life for Collinsville Murder

Apr 23, 2026

Jury Selection Begins in Teen Murder Trial in Edwardsville

Jan 12, 2026

Alton Gang Rivalry Testimony Expected In Trial Of Ra'Niya Steward Murder Suspect

Aug 6, 2025

East St. Louis Man Found Guilty In Collinsville Murder

Mar 9, 2026