Mom's Ex-Girlfriend Sentenced to Prison After Toddler Killed in Wichita Apartment Shooting

A man from Wichita has been sentenced to life in prison for his role in a shooting that resulted in the death of his ex-girlfriend’s young child last year.

In March, a jury determined that K'veion Darnell Richard was responsible for the first-degree murder of 1-year-old Taidyn Anderson, which occurred in February 2024. Additionally, he was found guilty of making a criminal threat, as well as two charges of aggravated assault and two instances of firing a weapon recklessly.

Richard, who is 26 years old, has consistently proclaimed his innocence. In legal papers, he stated that most of the evidence tying him to the shooting was "largely if not entirely" based on circumstances rather than direct proof. In a communication directed to the judge during his sentencing hearing, Richard asserted that he "cared for and protected that child (Taidyn)," emphasizing his bond with Taidyn.

I shouldn't be sentenced to jail for something I didn't do!

Richard, among the trio detained for Taidyn’s demise, isn't scheduled for eligibility for parole until after serving over 54 years of his life sentence, according to Dan Dillon, spokesperson for the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

On Friday, he received his sentence from Sedgwick County District Court Judge Jeffrey Goering, with an additional order for him to pay $2,413.99 as restitution to the Kansas Crime Victims Compensation Board, according to Dillon.

Taidyn, known as Blaire Jobe, was hit twice in the head. rounds shot into a flat At Sugar Creek Apartments, located at 2550 South Oliver Street, on February 19, 2024, this incident has been described as targeted incident At the time, he was cradled in his mother’s embrace. She was struck in her left arm by a bullet, and another woman was injured as well after the shooting commenced, according to officials.

The court documents indicate that Taidyn’s mother was involved. ended her romantic relationship Given the situation with Richard concerning the abuse allegations, he allegedly disagreed with the separation and had recent arguments with his partner, most recently sparked by an issue involving an Amazon delivery. It is said that Richard attempted to approach and made threats towards Taidyn’s mother at the Sugar Creek location prior to the fatal incident.

Around 16 rounds were discharged inside the apartment, according to police statements.

On Friday, the individuals accused of involvement in Taidyn’s death stayed incarcerated. According to legal documents, Jonathan Tillery-Matthias, who is 22 years old, entered a plea of not guilty to charges including murder; his trial is set for August. Additionally, Roames Bonner, aged 18, faces similar accusations and is slated to appear at a preliminary hearing on May 1st.

Contributor: Michael Stavola from The Eagle

In 2024, Wichita, Kansas experiences a decline in the ages of both suspects and victims involved in homicide cases.

Three individuals have been taken into custody in relation to the deadly shooting of a 1-year-old child in southern Wichita.

Police have identified the young boy who was shot and killed in an apartment in southern Wichita, but the shooter remains at large.

A 1-year-old boy was killed in a ' targeted' shooting at an apartment in Wichita. The mother's former partner has been found guilty of murder.