Raymond Childs III was convicted of murder by a jury on Friday for the 2021 murder of five people, including a pregnant woman. He is also facing charges for illegal possession of a firearm and attempt to murder, his 15-year-old brother is the sole survivor of the incident. It is believed that the murder took place over an argument regarding Childs' staying over at his girlfriend's house.
Childs will be sentenced on January 7, 2025, and will face 40-65 years in prison for murder charges, 20-40 years for attempted murder, and 1-6 years for possession of the handgun. This is Raymond Childs's second trial, as his first one was declared a mistrial.
Initially, Childs's name was not released because he was a juvenile, but it was later released as he was to be tried as an adult, under Indiana law.
Regarding what is reportedly one of the worst mass shootings the city has seen in a decade, Prosecutor Mears Ryan said in a press conference,
"What occurred inside that home is as unfathomable today as it was in 2021. It has been an incredibly difficult journey for the family and friends of the six people that we tragically lost."
He continued,
"I am proud of our trial team, law enforcement, and witnesses, whose dedication to our victims didn’t waiver when faced with adversity. Their commitment ultimately led to today’s verdict and justice for the victims of this horrific crime."
Raymond Childs III's crime and his arrest
Raymond Childs III, who was 17 at the time, was arrested by Indianapolis authorities after he shot and murdered five of his family members. The victims include his father 42-year-old father, Raymond Childs, his stepmom Kezzie Childs who was also 42, his 13-year-old sister Rita Childs, his older brother Elijah Childs who was 18, and Elijah's pregnant wife Kiara Hawkins who was 19.
Kiara Hawkins who was almost due died along with her unborn child at the hospital. Raymond Childs III's 15-year-old younger brother was shot in his legs and arms, but he survived as he ran out of the home trying to escape the gunfire.
According to the police, they were informed of an incident regarding a shooting involving a person at 4 a.m. on January 24, 2021, and found a younger boy with gunshot wounds.
Later, at 4:40 am, while investigating the shooting of the young male, who turns out to be Childs III's younger brother, the police received information that led them to a house nearby. In the house, the police officers discovered the body of multiple people.
It is alleged that an argument with his father for leaving the house without permission was Raymond's motive for the murder. Law & Crime reports that Raymond Childs III, allegedly, wanted to stay over at his girlfriend's house.
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According to Child's alleged girlfriend, his father called him back home. He later returned with a bag of clothes saying that his father kicked him out of the house. The younger brother who survived also told the police that Childs III was in trouble for leaving the house without permission.
Raymond Childs III is charged with six counts of murder, including the murder of an unborn child, one count of attempted murder for trying to kill his younger brother, and one count for possession of a firearm.
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