Missouri – More than two decades after Candice Richie was killed in Columbia, an arrest has been made in the case that long stood unsolved.
Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that Sentrell Wilson has been arrested and charged with First Degree Murder in connection with Richie’s 2000 death. A Boone County Grand Jury returned an indictment following a renewed investigation led by the Attorney General’s Office Cold Case Section and the Columbia Police Department. Authorities traveled to South Carolina to take Wilson into custody.
The case gained new momentum in early 2025 after a member of Richie’s family met with investigators from the Columbia Police Department, Boone County Prosecuting Attorney Roger Johnson, and officials from the Attorney General’s Office. Those discussions reignited investigative efforts. From there, state and local authorities resumed work on the file, ultimately leading to Wilson’s arrest and formal charge.
Attorney General Hanaway said her office remains committed to pursuing justice, regardless of how much time has passed.
“Whether it is a 26-year-old cold case or a crime committed yesterday, my Office will never stop fighting for victims,” said Attorney General Hanaway.
“Our commitment to justice for Missouri families does not expire. We will continue to partner with local law enforcement to provide additional resources and expertise to cold case investigations.”
Columbia Police Department Lieutenant Matt Gremore echoed that message, stating that investigators do not abandon victims and will continue working to hold violent offenders accountable, no matter how many years have passed.
The renewed investigation also received assistance from the FBI and the Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, Crime Lab. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division assisted with Wilson’s arrest.
Boone County Prosecuting Attorney Roger Johnson expressed appreciation for the Attorney General’s Office cold case specialists, noting that cross-agency cooperation was essential in moving the case forward. He said officials hope the arrest will bring a measure of closure to the victim’s family while advancing the pursuit of justice.
Wilson is currently in the process of being extradited to Missouri. A Boone County judge has ordered that he be held without bond.
