Man convicted of murder in Richmond resident's shooting death

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A 52-year-old man named Kendrick Woods has been convicted of first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the April 2022 shooting death of 60-year-old Melvin Stewart in Richmond, California. Police say Woods taunted Stewart before pulling the trigger, though the exact motive is unknown. Woods argued at trial that police got the wrong person, but he was convicted and is awaiting sentencing in late March.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence and homicides in the Richmond area, which has historically struggled with high crime rates. The details of the case, including the alleged taunting before the shooting, also raise questions about the nature of the crime and what may have motivated it.

The details

According to court records, Kendrick Woods, 52, was convicted of first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the April 6, 2022 killing of 60-year-old Melvin Stewart in Richmond. Police say Woods taunted Stewart before pulling the trigger, though the exact motive is unknown. Woods argued at trial that police had the wrong person, but he was ultimately convicted and is awaiting sentencing in late March.

• Melvin Stewart was shot and killed around 7:30 p.m. on April 6, 2022.
• Kendrick Woods was arrested roughly two months after the murder, in Arkansas.

What’s next

The judge will decide on Kendrick Woods' sentencing in late March.