Marshawn Stepney, 21, received a 25-year prison sentence for a 2022 high-speed crash in St. Louis that killed five Simmons family members during a police chase. He pleaded guilty to five counts of second-degree murder, two counts of assault, and charges of tampering and leaving the scene.​
Crash Sequence
On May 6, 2022, Stepney drove a stolen Jeep Cherokee, sideswiping an Infiniti near Delmar and Union Boulevards; a passenger fired shots as they fled. Police pursued, deploying spike strips, but Stepney hit 80 mph, crashing into the family’s minivan at Delmar and Pendleton. Victims Lahronda (34), Luther (44), Ephriam (47), Anngelique (52) Simmons, and 11-year-old Takira Thompson died; an 8-year-old and 16-year-old were injured.
Aftermath and Arrest
Stepney fled but returned hours later, caught on doorbell video asking a resident to call his mother. Arrested 12 days later after a foot chase, he showed no remorse at sentencing, smirking at family statements; Judge Clinton Wright praised survivor Elinor Simmons’ strength.
Related Charges
Jaylen Holland (20), allegedly in the back with a pistol, faces second-degree murder, armed criminal action, and stealing counts. Passenger Walter Burton (20), found with an assault rifle, faces similar murder and theft charges.
