St. Louis, Missouri – A 23-year-old Missouri man was sentenced to 21 years in prison after causing a deadly crash in downtown St. Louis that killed a mother and her daughter following a Drake concert, officials confirmed.
Case Details
Monte Henderson pleaded guilty in July 2025 to two counts each of involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action, according to the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office. He admitted to driving 70 mph in a 35 mph zone, running multiple red lights, and weaving through traffic on February 14, 2024.
Henderson collided with another vehicle, which then struck 42-year-old Laticha Liz Bracero and her 21-year-old daughter Alyssa Angel Cordova while they were crossing the street in a crosswalk on their way back to their hotel. Authorities reported Henderson hit the brakes only two seconds before the impact.
Victims and Family Reaction
Bracero and Cordova were visiting St. Louis from Chicago for the concert. Their obituaries described them as “inseparable and shared a strong bond,” remembered for their smiles, laughter, and love for one another.
In a victim impact statement, Bracero’s sister said Henderson showed “zero remorse” and deserved a stiff punishment for his irresponsible and selfish actions. She wrote, “He needs to sit in jail and stare at a wall and think about what he has done. He does not deserve holidays with his family or a life like Alyssa & Laticha.”
Henderson’s Family Statement
Henderson’s mother submitted a letter to the court, claiming her son is “not a monster or the way the media portrays him,” highlighting the contrasting perspectives of the families affected by the tragedy, as per Law&Crime.
Prosecutors Speak Out
St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore emphasized the need for strict penalties for drunk and speeding drivers, stating:
“Reckless driving destroys lives. At 70 miles per hour, a car becomes a weapon, and the impact reaches far beyond the crash itself. Nothing can make this right, but this sentence hopefully delivers some solace to the loved ones of Laticha Bracero and Alyssa Cordova. Two families are grieving today, one for the loss of a mother and daughter and another for the loss of a young man’s future.”
Henderson had a blood alcohol level of 0.194, more than twice the legal limit, at the time of the crash. Prosecutors highlighted that punishments for intoxicated and speeding drivers must be severe to protect the public.
What are your thoughts on the sentencing for Monte Henderson? Do you believe justice was served? Share your opinions in the comments below.
