PINE LAWN, Mo. — A local jury has convicted 20-year-old Kevin Fields of second-degree murder and armed criminal action for the 2021 shooting death of Christopher Chaney. The conviction came more than two years after the incident that claimed the life of 38-year-old Chaney on Nov. 10, 2021, in Pine Lawn, Missouri.
Authorities arrested Fields on the same day of the shooting when he was just 17 years old. By May of the following year, he was certified to stand trial as an adult. During the trial, evidence presented included testimonies and physical evidence linking Fields directly to the crime scene.
Just before succumbing to his injuries, Chaney had identified Fields as his assailant, according to the probable cause statement provided by a Vinita Park police detective. Additionally, surveillance footage captured a dark Chrysler 300, the same type of vehicle connected to Fields, speeding away from the scene.
Investigators made a key discovery when they arrested Fields, finding a car key fob in his possession. The vehicle to which the fob belonged was located nearby – it matched the same model as the car seen in the surveillance video fleeing the area. Further solidifying the case, a firearm seized during the arrest was connected to shell casings found at the location where Chaney was shot.
The evidence compiled led to Fields’ conviction, after which St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell remarked, “This was another senseless killing on streets with too many guns.” He extended his condolences to the victim’s family, highlighting the ongoing societal struggles with gun violence.
According to Missouri law, the sentence for second-degree murder can range from 10 years to life in prison, while armed criminal action carries a possible three to 15 years for a first offense. The jury recommended that Fields serve 15 years for the murder conviction and an additional three years for armed criminal action, with the sentences to be served consecutively.
Fields’ sentencing has been scheduled for Dec. 9. This case brings attention not only to the specifics of the crime but also underscores broader concerns about youth involvement in violent crimes and the community’s ongoing battle with gun-related violence.
For those impacted by crime, local resources such as the Crime Victim Center of St. Louis offer support ranging from direct services to advocacy aimed at systemic change. Furthermore, initiatives like Life Outside of Violence and the Neighborhood Healing Network by the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis provide crucial support and resources aimed at breaking cycles of violence and aiding recovery.
Another resource, the Bullet Related Injury Clinic (BRIC), focuses on helping individuals recover after gunshot injuries, highlighting the community’s proactive approach to dealing with the aftermath of gun violence.
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