Caden Smith Convicted of Triple Homicide and Other Charges
A 19-year-old Indianapolis man, Caden Smith, has been sentenced to 189 years in prison for the murder of three young men found shot to death along a path in October 2021. Smith was convicted of three counts of murder, robbery, and dangerous possession of a firearm by a Marion County jury in July.
The sentencing comes after the bodies of Joseph Thomas, 18, Michael James, 22, and Abdulla Mubarak, 17, were discovered on a path lined by tall grasses on the south side of Indianapolis. Smith was 16 at the time of the killings and was charged as an adult.
Smith Lured Victims to Demonstrate Gun Conversion Device
According to investigators, Smith had communicated with the victims before the killings and lured them to the location to demonstrate a gun conversion device, known as a “Glock switch,” which can modify a semi-automatic weapon to fire like a machine gun.
Once at the location, Smith shot and killed the three men. When Smith was arrested, authorities discovered the murder weapon at his residence, solidifying his connection to the crime.
Prosecutor Hails Significant Sentence
Following the sentencing, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears stated that the long prison term brings justice to the victims and their families. “This significant sentence is a testament to our commitment to holding violent individuals accountable for their actions,” Mears said.
The 189-year sentence reflects the severity of the crime and Smith’s role in the deliberate and deadly attack on the three victims.
No Immediate Response from Defense Attorney
As of Friday, Smith’s attorney has not provided any comment regarding the sentencing. Smith was convicted of multiple charges in addition to murder, including robbery and possession of a dangerous firearm, highlighting the violent nature of the crime.
The triple homicide shocked the Indianapolis community, and the case’s resolution brings some closure to the victims’ families, although the pain of their loss continues.
