Hayes, Richardson Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of 22-Month-Old Aiden McClendon

State Attorney Melissa Nelson today announces that the Honorable Steven Whittington sentenced Henry Lee Hayes IV and Kquame Richardson to Life in Florida State Prison. Both were found guilty by a jury as criminal gang members of First-Degree Murder, Two Counts of Attempted Second-Degree Murder, and Discharging a Firearm from a Vehicle.

Both were found guilty of their crimes on July 3.

Just after 6 p.m. Jan. 29, 2016, police responded to a home on Spearing Street and UF Health Jacksonville relating to shots being fired. Upon arrival at UF Health, law enforcement learned Tomeshia Brown and her grandmother, Mary Thomas, had transported 22-month-old Aiden McClendon to the hospital after he was injured in a drive-by shooting on Spearing Street. Aiden, Brown’s son, died hours later from the gunshots — he was strapped into his car seat at the time of the shooting.

“Aiden McClendon was an innocent child whose murder shocked and outraged our community,” said State Attorney Melissa Nelson. “The gang violence has to end. In partnership with law enforcement, we will continue to aggressively target and prosecute gang members who menace our city and harm our residents.”

The case was investigated by Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney London Kite, Chief Assistant L.E. Hutton, and Assistant State Attorney Brooke Gasson.