ST. LOUIS – A St. Louis man was convicted of first-degree murder for a drive-by killing that happened in the Gravois Park neighborhood on Aug. 26, 2023.

The jury, along with five other counts, found Arthur K. Richardson, 36, guilty for the death of Anthony Kent, 23.

Court documents reported that a witness saw Richardson fire multiple shots from a passing vehicle. Those bullets struck Kent, who was sitting on the front porch of a home in the 3500 block of California Avenue.

Another witness, who was at the porch with Kent, testified in court that he recognized Richardson, saying he was a neighbor of his.

Before his trial, Richardson denied prosecutor Chris Faerber’s offer of 20 years to plead guilty to second-degree murder and armed criminal action.

Instead, he claimed inconsistencies from witness testimonies and denied involvement in the shooting. Richardson also waived the right to a public defender and decided to represent himself.

Being found guilty, Richardson will serve life in prison without the possibility of parole. For the other five counts, which include armed criminal action, first-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon, the jury recommended life sentences.

However, St. Louis Circuit Judge Michael Noble will decide whether the terms will be concurrent or consecutive to the mandatory term of life without parole.

Richardson will be sentenced on June 26.