21 Years for Deadly Cocaine Deal

A St. Louis man has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for his role in a deadly cocaine deal gone wrong. CHRISTOPHER CHANNEL, 38, was found guilty of distributing cocaine base and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

The crime took place in the early morning hours of January 3, 2010, at a local gas station on South Broadway in St. Louis. According to court documents, CHANNEL sold cocaine base to Carrie Henderson-Shaw, 30, at the time. Tragically, Henderson-Shaw was shot and killed in her vehicle after leaving the gas station.

CHANNEL acknowledged in court that Henderson-Shaw was shot dead as a result of the drug transaction. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case.

CHANNEL pleaded guilty in July 2014 to the federal charges and appeared in court today for sentencing. United States District Court Judge Carol E. Jackson handed down the 21-year sentence, which includes 254 months in prison.

The deadly crime has left a lasting impact on the community and the Henderson-Shaw family. The case serves as a reminder of the dangers of the drug trade and the importance of holding those responsible accountable.

CHANNEL’s sentencing brings closure to the case, but it will not bring back Carrie Henderson-Shaw. Her death was a senseless tragedy that could have been prevented if CHANNEL had not engaged in the deadly cocaine deal.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and provide updates on any further developments.