Marion County jury convicts Indianapolis murder suspect

Update (Aug. 26, 2024)

Officials with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office stated that Caden Smith was convicted of the following charges during the trial:

• Three counts of murder
• Two counts of felony murder
• Two counts of robbery resulting in a serious bodily injury, each a Level 2 felony
• One count of dangerous possession of a machine gun, a Level 5 felony
• One misdemeanor count of dangerous possession of a firearm
• One count of possession of methamphetamine, a Level 3 felony
• One misdemeanor count of possession of marijuana
• One misdemeanor count of resisting law enforcement.

According to a news release from the office released on Monday, Smith was convicted after a five-day trial in relation to the October 2021 shooting deaths of Michael James, Abdullah Mubark and Joseph Thomas.

“It was a long and challenging road for these families, but thanks to the steadfast commitment of the investigators, deputy prosecutors, and the multitude of agencies, justice has been secured for Abdullah, Joseph, Michael, and their families,” Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said in the release. “Abdullah’s, Joseph’s, and Michael’s families will never be able to see them grow up and live their lives. This verdict solidifies that Smith will likely spend the rest of his life in prison for the crimes he committed.”

Original Story

INDIANAPOLIS — A Marion County superior jury has convicted Caden Smith of three murders committed in 2021. At the time, he was just 16 years old.

During their examination of Smith’s case, investigators found that, over the course of two nights, Smith killed three people. Previous reporting indicates Smith lured 17-year-old Abdulla Mubarak, 18-year-old Joseph Thomas and 22-year-old Michael James to a vacant lot in the 4400 block of South Meridian Street near Interstate 465.

Investigators reported that Smith took the victims to the lot to show them he possessed a pistol that was modified to fire as a machine gun. Law enforcement indicated that a suspected murder weapon was found in the house where Smith was living.

Smith was released before his trial, pending appeal of disallowed evidence. Police later reported that they caught him trying to sell guns on the internet while he was out of jail, landing him behind bars again .

A sentencing date has not yet been set in Smith’s case.

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