Indianapolis, Oct. 30 — Raymond Childs III, now 21, was convicted Friday on six counts of murder and related charges in the 2021 mass shooting that killed five members of his family and a pregnant teen, following a dispute over his curfew.
The conviction brings a tragic case to a close nearly three years after the brutal slayings shocked Indianapolis.
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Childs, who was 17 at the time of the shootings, faced charges in connection with the deaths of his father, Raymond Childs Jr., 42; his stepmother, Kezzie Childs, 42; his half-siblings, Elijah Childs, 18, and Rita Childs, 13; and Kiara Hawkins, 19, who was Elijah’s girlfriend and pregnant at the time.
Hawkins’ unborn child also died in the attack.
Childs was also found guilty of attempted murder after his younger brother, who was 15, survived a gunshot wound by fleeing the scene and identifying his brother as the shooter.
The shootings took place on Jan. 24, 2021, at the Childs’ family home on East 36th Street in Indianapolis.
According to authorities, the events unfolded after Childs returned home past his curfew, sparking a confrontation with his parents.
The juvenile brother, who survived, recounted to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) that a heated argument between Childs and his parents escalated, leading to the fatal shootings.
The five-day jury trial concluded Friday with a guilty verdict.
Childs was convicted not only on six murder charges but also on one count of attempted murder and a misdemeanor for carrying a handgun without a license, according to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office.
This conviction follows an earlier mistrial in July, declared after a key witness in the case confronted Childs in court, an incident that was determined to have jeopardized a fair trial.
Mass Shooting Followed Argument Over Curfew
Court records reveal that after the argument about his curfew, Childs retrieved a firearm and, in what authorities have described as a methodical attack, moved from room to room, fatally shooting his family members.
The IMPD officers arrived at the scene shortly after 4 a.m. on Jan. 24, initially responding to a call reporting that a juvenile had been shot.
The 15-year-old survivor, who managed to escape, guided authorities to the family’s home, where the victims were found.
Officers discovered the bodies of Raymond Childs Jr., Kezzie Childs, Rita Childs, Elijah Childs, and Kiara Hawkins, who was rushed to a nearby hospital where both she and her unborn child were pronounced dead.
The IMPD located Childs the following day at a relative’s home.
Court documents indicate that the murder weapon was recovered after Childs’ extended family located it and turned it over to law enforcement, cooperating fully with the investigation.
Further investigation led officers to Childs’ vehicle at the home of his girlfriend, where she reportedly recounted to police that Childs had been picked up after the shootings and had told her he was forced to leave his family home.
Prosecutor’s Statement and Community Reaction
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears released a statement Friday, reflecting on the tragic nature of the crime.
“What occurred inside that home is as unfathomable today as it was in 2021,” Mears said.
He commended the perseverance of the trial team, law enforcement, and the victims’ family members, whose commitment led to the guilty verdict despite the challenges of a previous mistrial.
The court found that Childs’ actions were premeditated, with witnesses describing how he systematically targeted his family members in their rooms.
Prosecutors maintained that Childs’ actions following the argument demonstrated clear intent to kill.
After the argument, Childs’ methodical approach allegedly included first targeting his parents before turning to his siblings and Hawkins, whom he shot despite her advanced pregnancy.
Childs’ sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2025, where he faces substantial penalties.
Under Indiana law, the murder convictions carry sentences of 40 to 65 years each. Additionally, the attempted murder conviction could lead to 20 to 40 years in prison, and the misdemeanor handgun charge carries a potential sentence of one to six years.
Previous Trial Complications
The trial, initially slated for July, faced an unexpected hurdle when a mistrial was declared after a key witness confronted Childs in front of the jury.
The witness, identified as Elanso Valez, reportedly transported Childs in the hours following the shooting and recounted a moment in which Childs appeared visibly distraught.
During Valez’s testimony, he turned to Childs and asked, “Why did you do it, Raymond?”
The judge admonished Valez for speaking directly to Childs and dismissed the jury, questioning each juror individually before concluding that a fair trial was no longer possible.
The prosecution’s office argued that Valez’s confrontation could bias the jury, and Marion County Superior Judge Chris Miller concurred, explaining that his concern was based on ensuring the integrity of the judicial process.
Judge Miller scheduled a status conference to set a new trial date, and proceedings resumed in October, ultimately leading to Friday’s conviction.
Family’s Ongoing Grief and Search for Justice
Family members and community advocates have been vocal about the tragedy and the lasting impact of gun violence.
In a statement shortly after the murders, Mears highlighted the toll of such violent crimes on Indianapolis families, calling for continued efforts to address gun violence and provide resources to grieving families.
The surviving brother, whose injuries were severe, provided key testimony in both trials, recounting the horrors of that night and identifying Childs as the shooter.
Authorities praised the bravery of the young survivor, whose escape and cooperation were instrumental in leading investigators to crucial evidence.
Broader Implications for the Indianapolis Community
In the wake of this case, Indianapolis city leaders and the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office have pledged to address systemic issues that contribute to such tragedies.
Advocates for gun control in the community have used this incident as a rallying point, with calls for stricter regulations on firearms and greater resources for troubled families.
They argue that improved mental health services and intervention programs could help prevent future instances of family violence.
For now, the conviction brings a sense of closure for the family members who lost loved ones, yet it is also a reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from unaddressed tensions and unregulated access to firearms.
As sentencing approaches, advocates continue to urge legislative changes to prevent similar tragedies, emphasizing that no community should experience the horror and loss seen in this case.
Upcoming Sentencing
As Childs awaits sentencing, the January hearing will be closely watched by Indianapolis residents and beyond.
The outcome of the sentencing will likely prompt further discussion on youth crime, familial conflict resolution, and preventive measures for gun violence within households.
Community members continue to mourn the six lives lost and reflect on ways to protect others from similar tragedies.
