UPDATE- June 20
Nicholas Lunceford, 20, was arrested Tuesday night at a motel on Watson Road and charged with second-degree murder, armed criminal action and attempted delivery or distribution of controlled substances in connection with the shooting death of Brandon Richards. Richards, 2013 KHS graduate, was fatally shot around 4:30 p.m. Monday, June 17 according to stltoday.com.
Keenan Miller, 2013 KHS graduate, was charged Tuesday in the killing and faces the same charges as Lunceford according to stltoday.com. Lunceford was receiving marijuana that Miller was delivering to the house according to websterkirkwoodtimes.com. Lunceford was in possession of a handgun and Miller was in possession of a weapon at the time of the homicide according to websterkirkwoodtimes.com.
Police did not say who they think shot Richards according to stltoday.com. Miller’s bail was set at $100,000 cash and Lunceford’s was set at $200,000 according to stltoday.com.
Counselors will be available for students at KHS every day for the rest of the summer according to Dr. Michael Havener, principal.
Below is the original story, posted June 18.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Brandon Richards, 2013 KHS graduate, was shot and killed at a home on Pleasant Court around 4:30 p.m. Monday, June 17 according to stltoday.com.
Nicholas Lunceford, 20, is believed to be responsible for the death of Richards and is considered armed and dangerous according to ksdk.com. Police believe Lunceford and Richards knew each other according to websterkirkwoodtimes.com. Richards planned on attending St. Louis Community College at Meramec according to ksdk.com.
According to Dr. Michael Havener, principal, at least one counselor will be on campus every day for the rest of the summer and students are welcome to set up individual meetings with them. Counselors will be available at KHS until 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 19 and Thursday, June 20 for students and staff members to share their grief and suggest ways the community can support the Richards family.
“When tragedy hits, students need to remember there is always friends and family to help someone get through it,” Havener said. “Our school will always be here to support any student needs at a time like this.”
Below is the email sent to Kirkwood District employees from Dr. Tom Williams, superintendent, informing all of the event.
Dear Colleagues,
It is with deep sorrow that I must share with you a tragedy in our Kirkwood family. Brandon Richards, a recent graduate of Kirkwood High School and former North Kirkwood Middle School and Keysor Elementary School student, was killed last night from a gunshot wound. Police are investigating the situation.
Counselors are available at the high school to give students and staff members an opportunity to share their grief and suggest ways we can support Brandon’s family. Brandon’s sisters are Brittany (a junior) and Amber (a freshman).
As the adult caretakers, parents and teachers should expect, try to understand and accept a variety of emotions and behaviors. The most important thing we can do is to be supportive, to encourage discussion and to be good listeners.
Our sympathy, concern and prayers are with Brandon’s family.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tom Williams
superintendent of schools
