Raymond Childs III, 21, was convicted of six counts of murder, including the deaths of his father, stepmother, two siblings, and his brother’s girlfriend who was pregnant at the time. The shooting occurred in January 2021 following an argument over Childs staying out late. Childs was found guilty after a mistrial in his first trial due to a witness confrontation. The prosecutor stated that Childs methodically went from room to room shooting the victims. Childs’ 15-year-old brother survived the attack by fleeing the house.
Prosecutor Ryan Mears praised the verdict as providing justice for the victims and their families, and acknowledged the dedication of the trial team, law enforcement, and witnesses throughout the case. Childs’ sentencing is scheduled for January 7, where he faces 40 to 65 years in prison for each murder count, 20 to 40 years for attempted murder, and one to six years for carrying a handgun without a license.
The tragic events were described as unfathomable, and the prosecutor expressed pride in the efforts made to seek justice for the victims. The defense attorney representing Childs did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The verdict marks a significant step towards closure for those affected by the horrific crime, and serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of violence within families.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com