Bio

Antonio D. Richardson was born on September 3, 1974. He grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. He did not know his father and his relationship with his mother was troubled. She struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, along with various health problems. This situation led to feelings of neglect in his childhood.

From a young age, Richardson faced obstacles in his education. When he was 13 years old, his IQ was measured at 70, which is considered within the borderline range of mental disability. He was described as learning disabled and easily influenced by others. These challenges made it hard for him to keep up with his peers in school.

As he grew older, Richardson's life continued to be affected by his environment. By the age of 15, he developed problems with drug and alcohol use himself. Living in an unstable home contributed to his difficulties in making positive choices.

Murder Story

On April 4, 1991, Antonio Richardson, along with three other young men, went to the Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis, Missouri. That night, they encountered two sisters, Julie Kerry and Robin Kerry, and their cousin, Thomas Cummins, who were visiting the bridge. The two groups spoke for a short time before going their separate ways.

Soon after parting, the four young men decided to rob the sisters and their cousin. Richardson and his companions confronted the Kerrys and Cummins, forcing them to the ground. They held the sisters while threatening them. In the course of the attack, the sisters were raped and then led towards a manhole on the bridge.

After the assaults, the attackers forced the sisters and Cummins onto a concrete pier below the bridge. As threats were made, the sisters were pushed off the bridge into the Mississippi River, falling approximately 70 feet. Cummins was ordered to jump into the river as well, which he did. He managed to survive and swam to safety.

In the aftermath, Julie Kerry's body was found three weeks later, while Robin Kerry's body was never recovered. Thomas Cummins testified against Richardson during the trial that followed. The legal proceedings continued for years, with Richardson being sentenced to death in 1993. However, his sentence was later commuted to life without parole in 2003.