An Indiana jury has convicted Caden Smith, who was just 16 years old when he murdered three people while demonstrating how to convert a Glock into a machine gun. Now 19, Smith was found guilty on Friday of multiple charges, including three counts of murder, robbery, dangerous possession of a machine gun, and possession of methamphetamine, according to a press release from the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office. The victims were identified as Abdulla Mubarak, 17, Joseph Thomas, 18, and Michael James, 22, told AP News.
The horrific crime took place on October 12, 2021, when officers from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department discovered the three men dead from gunshot wounds in a grassy area near the 4400 block of S. Meridian Street. Investigators recovered several spent shell casings at the scene, which later became crucial evidence in the case.
Through text message records, police learned that Smith had lured the men to the field over two consecutive nights, offering to show them how a Glock switch works—a device that converts a semiautomatic firearm into a machine gun. Prosecutors argued that Smith used the demonstration as a ruse to murder the men and rob them. Detectives identified Smith as the suspect and later found the murder weapon at his home.
“Abdulla’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 following the verdict. “This verdict solidifies that Smith will likely spend the rest of his life in prison for the crimes he committed.”
The murders, which occurred two days apart in a secluded area, initially sparked rumors of a possible serial killer in the area, as reported by the Indianapolis Star. However, police quickly dispelled these rumors and arrested Smith.
The path to conviction was not straightforward. In 2022, a judge excluded key evidence after ruling that detectives had violated Smith’s Fourth Amendment rights during a search warrant, according to Indianapolis NBC affiliate WTHR. As a result, Smith was released from jail with a GPS ankle monitor. However, he was re-arrested on his 18th birthday after police discovered Snapchat photos of him with a gun and drugs.
Smith remained in jail until his trial began on August 19, which lasted five days.
“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 Abdulla, Joseph, Michael, and their families,” Mears said.