Two teens charged with murder in connection with deadly armed robbery in Granite City
Two Granite City teenagers face multiple murder charges in Madison County in connection with a deadly armed robbery on June 4.
Deandre J. Richardson, 17, and Nicholas Rickman II, 16, each were charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of armed robbery Monday, according to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office stated. Richardson has also been charged with unlawful possession of a stolen firearm.
The two were arrested following the death of 18-year-old Sean D. Williams, also of Granite City. Charging documents state that Richardson and Rickman robbed Williams of a .40-caliber gun and cannabis at gunpoint before fatally shooting him.
Granite City police were dispatched to the 2500 block of Madison Avenue on June 4 at 10:33 p.m. for a report of shots fired, a state’s attorney release stated. When police arrived, they found Williams unconscious with multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to Gateway Regional Hospital in Granite City, where he was later pronounced dead.
“Under Illinois law, a person may be charged under multiple alternative theories of first-degree murder for one offense,” the release stated. “In this case, the defendants have been charged with three alternative theories.”
The first count is based on the theory that Richardson and Rickman allegedly killed Williams with intent. The second count is based on the theory that when one of them shot Williams, they knew there was a strong probability that death or great bodily harm would occur. The third is based on the theory that the homicide occurred during the course of a forcible felony, armed robbery.
Richardson and Rickman remained in police custody at Madison County Jail, each with a bail amount of $1 million. One first-degree murder charge carries a sentencing range of 20 to 60 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and the armed robbery charge carries a sentencing range of 6 to 30 years.
Additional sentences may apply for the use of a firearm.
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