Savannah man sentenced to eight years in prison after killing pedestrian on St. Joseph Avenue, damaging property

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- A Savannah, Missouri, man was sentenced to serve eight years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for killing a pedestrian and damaging property on St. Joseph Avenue in December 2024.

Steven M. Richardson pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree involuntary manslaughter and one count of leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in a death in April 2026.

Before 4 a.m. on Dec. 1, 2024, Richardson was north on St. Joseph Avenue near the intersection of Broadway St. in his silver F-150 and recklessly drove off the east side of the roadway, striking a pedestrian, according to a probable cause statement.

Richardson continued through a yard, striking a house and causing extensive damage before he left the scene on foot.

The pedestrian died from their injuries.

Richardson will serve four years in the Department of Corrections for each charge, totalling eight years.