Caden Smith, Triple Murder, Indiana Crime.
September 29, 2024
INDIANA: Caden Smith, a 19-year-old Indiana resident, has been sentenced to 189 years in prison for the brutal murders of three men he lured to a field under the guise of demonstrating how to modify a Glock firearm into a machine gun.
On October 12, 2021, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department discovered the bodies of Abdulla Mubarak, 17, Joseph Thomas, 18, and Michael James, 22, in a remote field near the 4400 block of South Meridian Street. The victims had been shot to death, and investigators recovered several spent shell casings at the scene.
Police learned that Smith had used text messages to lure the men to the field over two consecutive nights, purportedly to show them how a Glock switch works. However, Smith's true intentions were sinister: he intended to rob and murder the victims.
Detectives identified Smith as the prime suspect and searched his home, where they found the murder weapon. However, the case faced a significant setback in 2022 when a judge threw out key evidence due to Fourth Amendment rights violations during the search warrant. Smith was released from jail on a GPS ankle monitor.
Despite the setback, investigators continued to gather evidence. They uncovered Snapchat photos of Smith posing with a gun and drugs, which led to his re-arrest on his 18th birthday.
After a lengthy and complex trial, Smith was found guilty of the triple murders. On Friday, he was sentenced to 189 years in prison, ensuring that he will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears stated, "The sale of unregulated firearms led to the tragic deaths of three innocent people... This significant sentence is a testament to our commitment to holding violent individuals accountable for their actions. We are grateful for today's announcement and thank the dedication of our deputy prosecutors and investigators for securing justice for Abdullah, Joseph, Michael, and their families."
"Abdullah's, Joseph's, and Michael's families will never see them grow up and live their lives," Mears said. "This verdict ensures Smith will likely spend his life in prison."
