Not much later two of his high school friends were killed in Kansas City .
Shortly after arriving at Illinois State in August of 2006 , Richardson 's 8 - year - old niece , Jessica , died because of a brain ailment .
Not much later two of Richardson 's high school friends were killed in Kansas City .
Shortly after arriving at Illinois State in August of 2006 , Richardson 's 8 - year - old niece , Jessica , died because of a brain ailment .