SCOTT COUNTY, Mo. (KFVS) — A Charleston man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for his involvement in a 2022 gang-related shooting in Sikeston that resulted in the death of an innocent bystander.
Courtez McGee, now 20 years old, was a juvenile at the time of the crime but was certified and charged as an adult, according to Scott County Prosecuting Attorney Don Cobb.
On July 3, 2022, McGee fatally shot Sh’Tyana Ingram near the intersection of Main and Malone in Sikeston while in the company of an adult co-defendant. Cobb said the shooting was gang-related and highlighted a disturbing trend where older gang members use juveniles to carry out violent crimes in an attempt to shield themselves from adult prosecution.
“Regardless of the circumstances, the death of Ms. Ingram cannot be unanswered,” said Cobb. “This was a gang-related shooting that simply hit an innocent bystander.”
Under Missouri statute RSMo 211.071, McGee was certified to stand trial as an adult. Judge Blake Pearson handed down the 25-year sentence, citing the gravity of the offense despite McGee’s age at the time.
Cobb emphasized that Scott County routinely pursues adult certification for juveniles involved in violent crimes and said this case underscores their commitment to holding all offenders accountable—regardless of age.
