Arshaun Bradley Sentenced to Life for Murder
A Springfield judge issued four life terms plus 60 years to a man involved in a fatal 2023 downtown shooting.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Violence
Arshaun Bradley has been sentenced to four life terms plus 60 years for the 2023 murder of Chaviz Nguyen. The incident occurred when Bradley and four other men opened fire on a vehicle on College Street in Springfield.
Why it matters
The sentencing marks a major step in the legal proceedings for the violent 2023 attack that also targeted Nguyen's pregnant girlfriend and child, who both survived. Authorities continue to move through the remaining cases related to the shooting.
Bradley received four life sentences and 60 additional years following his conviction for first-degree murder, assault, and armed criminal action. Other participants, including Quartez Washington, have also received identical multi-life sentences.
The players
Arshaun Bradley
He is a convicted murderer who was sentenced to four life terms plus 60 years for his role in the 2023 killing of Chaviz Nguyen.
Chaviz Nguyen
He was the victim of a targeted shooting that occurred while he was in a car on College Street in downtown Springfield.
Quartez Washington
He was one of the men involved in the attack and was previously sentenced to four life terms plus 60 years for his role.
Timothy Hester
He is a co-defendant in the case who previously sought to withdraw a guilty plea and is currently awaiting sentencing.
The details
Bradley and four other men tracked the victims' vehicle through Springfield before pulling alongside them on College Street to open fire. Bradley was ultimately convicted on charges including first-degree murder, first-degree assault, and multiple counts of armed criminal action.
Timeline
Chaviz Nguyen was killed in a shooting in November 2023.
Arshaun Bradley was sentenced in court on October 2, 2026.
Timothy Hester is scheduled for sentencing in November 2026.
Legal Context
The sentencing follows the pattern established by the Springfield violent crime sentencing guidelines for multi-defendant homicide cases. This case highlights the judicial response to coordinated gang-related violence within the city's downtown corridor.
This case underscores a period of heightened legal resolution regarding violence that occurred on downtown streets. The sentencing provides a measure of closure for the incident that involved an active shooting on College Street.
The takeaway
The lengthy sentences issued to multiple defendants reflect the severity of coordinated violent acts involving firearms. Residents are reminded of the ongoing judicial efforts to address criminal activity that occurred within the city's downtown area.
What happens next
Timothy Hester is scheduled to appear in court for his sentencing hearing in November 2026.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings in the area, visit our Violence section.
