Gunman Sentenced to Life in Prison for Deadly Shooting at St. John Applebee’s That Killed One and Permanently Injured Two

Gunman Sentenced to Life in Prison for Deadly Shooting at St. John Applebee’s That Killed One and Permanently Injured Two

A tragic chapter in St. Louis County history reached its legal conclusion as the man responsible for a deadly shooting inside a neighborhood restaurant has been sentenced to spend the rest of his life behind bars.

On February 19, 2026, 34-year-old Courtney Washington was sentenced to life in prison for the fatal shooting that occurred inside an Applebee’s location in St. John. The sentencing follows his January 2026 conviction on charges of second-degree murder, two counts of first-degree assault, and three counts of armed criminal action.

The horrific incident took place on June 22, 2020. According to court testimony, Washington had been eating dinner with his girlfriend and others inside the restaurant when, without warning, he stood up and opened fire. Prosecutors said he first shot Kimberly Penton and her friend, Lakeshia Finch, before moving to another area of the restaurant where he shot Kinloch firefighter Arlydia Bufford. After the attack, he fled the scene.

Kimberly Penton succumbed to her injuries, leaving behind grieving loved ones whose lives were forever altered by an act of senseless violence. The two surviving victims endured devastating, life-altering injuries. One woman was left paralyzed, and another lost vision in one eye after being shot in the head. Their strength and resilience in the years since the shooting have stood in stark contrast to the brutality of that night.

There were 18 witnesses inside the restaurant at the time of the shooting, including the surviving victims. Many were forced to relive the trauma during the investigation and trial, recounting the terrifying moments when an ordinary evening turned into chaos.

Law enforcement officers arrested Washington at his home the following morning. During the investigation, authorities recovered a firearm from his closet that matched cartridge casings found at the crime scene. The evidence presented in court ultimately led to his conviction.

In addition to the life sentence for murder, Washington received 20 years in prison for each of the accompanying armed criminal action charges. Those sentences will ensure that he remains incarcerated for the remainder of his life.

According to the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Washington has never provided a motive for the shooting. The absence of an explanation has left many questions unanswered for the victims’ families and the broader community, compounding the pain of an already incomprehensible act.

While the sentencing brings a measure of justice, it cannot undo the profound loss of Kimberly Penton’s life or erase the permanent injuries suffered by the survivors. The case serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly violence can shatter lives and the lasting impact it leaves on families, first responders, and entire communities.

As St. Louis County reflects on this case, the focus remains on honoring the memory of the woman who lost her life and supporting the survivors who continue to navigate the physical and emotional scars left behind. Justice has been served in the courtroom, but the healing process for those affected will continue for years to come.