IMPD Homicide Detectives Make an Arrest in October Triple Homicide Investigation

INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Homicide detectives identified and arrested a suspect for his alleged involvement in the October murders of Michael James, Joseph Thomas, and Abdullah Mubarak.

On Tuesday, October 12, 2021, just before 8:00 p.m., an off-duty IMPD Officer was checking a property in the 4400 block of S. Meridian Street when he discovered two deceased victims on the property. The Off-Duty Officer quickly asked for additional officers to respond to the scene and upon further investigation a third victim was located deceased.

IMPD Homicide Detectives responded to the scene to begin the investigation. The Indianapolis-Marion County Forensic Services Agency responded to assist in identifying and collecting potential forensic evidence.  The Marion County Coroner’s Office assisted and determined this was the result of a homicide.

Homicide detectives continued their investigation and were able to identify the alleged suspect. On Friday, December 3, homicide detectives arrested 16-year-old Caden Smith for his alleged involvement in the deaths of Michael James, Joseph Thomas, and Abdullah Mubarak. Smith is being charged as an adult. The Marion County Prosecutors Office (MCPO) will make final charging decisions.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact Detective Jose Torres at the IMPD Homicide Office at 317.327.3475 or e-mail him at Jose.Torres@indy.gov. 

Alternatively, they can call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317.262.8477 or (TIPS) to remain anonymous.  Citizens can also download the mobile P3tips app for Apple or Android phones to submit a mobile tip, or go to www.CrimeTips.org to submit a web tip. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1000 if the information leads to a felony arrest.  Only tips submitted directly and anonymously to Crime Stoppers are eligible for these cash rewards.

A charge of a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.