Indiana boy, 16, sparked serial killer fears after luring three men into field and shooting them dead

Caden Smith was just 16 years old when he lured three unsuspecting men into a field in Indianapolis and shot them to death.

A jury found the now 19-year-old guilty on Friday, August 23 on three counts of murder, dangerous possession of a machine gun and possession of methamphetamine, among other charges. The victims of the shootings were Abdulla Mubarak, 17, Joseph Thomas, 18 and Michael James, 22.

According to the police report on Oct. 12, 2021 Smith lured the four men into a path filled with tall grass near the 4400 block of S. Meridian Street in Indianapolis. Police learned later via text messages that he lured them to the path under the pretence of showing them how his Glock switch machine gun worked.

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He then took the opportunity to shoot the three men and rob them. Police responded to the scene where they found the three victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators also found several shell casings at the scene.

Detectives later identified Smith as the prime suspect in the killings and recovered the gun at his home. “Abdullah’s, Joseph’s and Michael’s families will never be able to see them grow up and live their lives,” Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said in a statement.

“This verdict solidifies that Smith will likely spend the rest of his life in prison for the crimes he committed.” The killings happened two days apart, which led to fears of a serial killer, but police quickly debunked those rumors when they arrested Smith.

Many were skeptical that a guilty verdict was guaranteed due to a judge throwing out some key evidence in 2022, ruling that police had violated Smith’s Fourth Amendment rights when they executed a search warrant at Smith's home.

Smith was released on bail and placed on house arrest with an ankle monitor while awaiting trial but was placed back into custody on his 18th birthday when police discovered photos on his Snapchat of Smith with guns and drugs. He remained in custody until his trial on August 19, which lasted five days.

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“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,” Mears said.