In the early morning hours of January 24, 2021, a devastating act of violence unfolded in a home on Adams Street in Indianapolis, claiming the life of 42-year-old Kezzie Shanelia Childs and several members of her family. The incident, which police would later describe as a 'mass murder,' left a community in shock and a family shattered.
That morning, police were first alerted to a juvenile male suffering from gunshot wounds.
This led them to a nearby residence where they discovered a horrific scene. Inside, Kezzie Childs, her husband Raymond Childs, 42, their 18-year-old son Elijah, and their 13-year-old daughter Rita were all found deceased from gunshot wounds. Also killed was 19-year-old Kiara Hawkins, who was pregnant with a baby boy who also did not survive. The initial juvenile victim, Kezzie's 15-year-old son, survived the shooting and was able to provide crucial information to investigators.
The investigation quickly focused on a member of the Childs family. A juvenile suspect was arrested the day after the killings. This individual was later identified as Raymond Childs III, the 17-year-old son of Kezzie and Raymond Childs. The motive for the killings was reported to be an argument between the teenager and his parents over his curfew. According to court documents, after the argument, he used a handgun and an assault-style rifle to shoot the members of his family.
Raymond Childs III was charged with six counts of murder, attempted murder, and carrying a handgun without a license. His first trial in July 2024 ended in a mistrial due to an issue with witness testimony. However, a new trial began in October 2024, and after a five-day jury trial, he was found guilty on all charges. In March 2025, Raymond Childs III was sentenced to 360 years in prison for the murders of his family members and Kiara Hawkins. Throughout the legal proceedings, he has maintained his innocence.
