A tragic high-speed crash in Missouri has ended with a young man being sentenced to more than two decades in prison. The case shocked the St. Louis community after five members of the same family lost their lives in a violent collision during a police chase. The emotional courtroom scenes and the judge’s final decision have once again brought attention to the serious consequences of reckless driving and violent crime.
Missouri Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Deadly Crash
A 21-year-old Missouri man, Marshawn Stepney, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for his role in a deadly crash that killed five members of one family.
On Tuesday, Clinton Wright of the St. Louis Circuit Court handed down the sentence as part of a plea agreement. Earlier in January, Stepney pleaded guilty to:
- Five counts of second-degree murder
- Two counts of assault
- One count of tampering
- One count of leaving the scene of an accident
The charges were linked to a high-speed police chase that ended in tragedy.
Details of the Fatal High-Speed Chase
The incident happened on May 6, 2022, in St. Louis, Missouri. According to charging documents, Stepney was driving a stolen 2015 gray Jeep Cherokee connected to multiple theft cases in the area.
Near the intersection of Delmar Boulevard and Union Boulevard, the Jeep sideswiped a gray Infiniti. During the chaos, a passenger inside the Jeep reportedly fired gunshots at the Infiniti while Stepney sped away.
The driver of the Infiniti immediately called 911.
Police later tried to stop the Jeep using spike strips. However, Stepney continued driving at speeds over 80 mph through city streets. The chase ended when the Jeep crashed into a minivan near Delmar Boulevard and Pendleton Avenue.
Inside that minivan was the Simmons family.
Five Family Members Killed in the Crash
The crash killed:
- 34-year-old Lahronda Simmons
- 44-year-old Luther Simmons
- 47-year-old Ephriam Simmons
- 52-year-old Anngelique Simmons
- 11-year-old Takira Thompson
Two other children, aged 8 and 16, were seriously injured and taken to a nearby hospital.
The loss deeply affected the local community, as multiple generations of the same family were killed in seconds due to reckless actions.
Defendant Left Scene Before Arrest
After the crash, Stepney managed to leave the scene. Several hours later, he returned and spoke to a nearby resident before calling his mother to pick him up.
Police arrested him 12 days after the deadly crash.
His decision to flee the scene added to the seriousness of the charges against him.
Emotional Sentencing Hearing
The sentencing hearing was filled with emotion. Family members of the victims spoke directly to the court.
During one moment, a relative addressing the judge noticed Stepney turning around and smiling. Grandmother Elinor Simmons later told reporters that he showed “no remorse” for what happened.
Judge Clinton Wright addressed the grandmother directly in court and praised her strength. He reportedly said that no sentence would truly be enough to make up for the loss.
Elinor Simmons later shared that her faith helped her remain strong during the painful process.
Two Other Men Also Charged
Authorities have charged two other men in connection with the case.
Jaylen Holland, 20, faces:
- Five counts of second-degree murder
- Armed criminal action
- Six counts of felony stealing
He was allegedly found in the back of the Jeep with a pistol nearby.
Walter Burton, also 20, is charged with:
- Five counts of second-degree murder
- Several theft-related offences
Police say he was found in the passenger seat with an assault-style rifle between his legs.
Their cases are still moving through the legal system.
Impact on the Community
This tragic case highlights the deadly consequences of high-speed chases and stolen vehicles. What began as a theft investigation turned into a devastating crash that wiped out nearly an entire family.
The 25-year sentence means Stepney will spend much of his adult life in prison. However, for the Simmons family, no punishment can undo their loss. The emotional statements shared in court reflect the pain that still remains.
The case also raises serious questions about youth crime, gun violence, and reckless driving in urban areas. Community members hope that justice in this case sends a strong message about accountability and responsibility. While the legal chapter may be closing for Stepney, the emotional wounds for the victims’ loved ones will take far longer to heal.
