“I’m Sorry, Raymond, I Love You” Dad’s Last Words Before Son Fatally Shoots Him, 5 Other Family Members
Raymond Childs shot his family after a disagreement over his curfew
In October 2024, Indianapolis man Raymond Ronald Lee Childs III, 17, was found guilty of six counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, and one count of carrying a handgun without a license after a mass shooting spree that left six of his family members, including his father and stepmom, dead in January 2021.
The guilty verdict came during Childs’ second trial; the first ended in a mistrial.
Kezzie Childs, 42, Raymond Childs, 42, Rita Childs, 13, Elijah Childs, Kiara Hawkins, 19, and Hawkins's unborn child were killed after Raymond went on a rampage after a telephone argument with his father about spending the night at his girlfriend’s house.
The elder Raymond told his son he could not stay and ordered him home.
Childs III caught an Uber home from his girlfriend’s house.
Childs III grabbed his father’s Draco 7.62 and shot his dad, stepmom, two siblings, his brother’s girlfriend, and her unborn child. He shot a seventh person, his 15-year-old brother, as he ran from the Adams Street house. The teenager survived.
After surgery, the teenager gave police more insight into the murder, telling them he pleaded with his brother not to shoot him and offered him $40. “I won’t say nothing. Please don’t kill me.” the teen cried seconds before his brother fired several bullets into his body. The teen told police his father’s last words to Raymond before he shot him was, “I’m sorry, Ramond, I love you.”
After shooting his family, Childs III returned to his girlfriend’s home. He told her that his father kicked him out because he missed curfew. Police arrested him at her home the following day.
At the time of the shooting, Childs III was a local rapper professionally known as Lil’ Raymond.
So tragic! My condolences to the surviving child and the rest of the Childs’ family.
Resources & Additional Information:
https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/news/2021/01/29/an-indy-teen-slaughtered-his-family-police-say-the-fathers-last-words-were-i-love-you/116064866/
https://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2021/01/28/what-we-know-indianapolis-shooting-suspect-raymond-childs/4292880001/
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/indianapolis-in/the-childs-family-10032276
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/indianapolis-in/kezzie-childs-10032280
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/indianapolis-in/elijah-childs-10032289
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/indianapolis-in/rita-childs-10032318
About the Creator
Criminal Matters
The best of the worst true crime, history, strange and Unusual stories.
Graphic material. Intended for a mature audience ONLY.
Follow me @ facebook.com/criminalmatterspage AND @ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581347810331
Keep reading
More stories from Criminal Matters and writers in Criminal and other communities.
Gizzy Ford: Abused to Death by Grandmother Through Father's Instruction
Andre Ford, a disabled, unemployed felon, lived with a rare degenerative disorder that left him with a disfigured appearance and dependent on a wheelchair. The disorder also led to a fatal heart attack in 2014, which allowed him to escape this world far too easily before a court could sentence him to prison for the horrific child abuse murder of his daughter, Gizelle Ford.
By Criminal Matters4 years ago in Criminal
Investigating Associated Building Inspections Ephrata Complaints: The Private Company with Public Power
INVESTIGATION TARGET: ASSOCIATED BUILDING INSPECTIONS, LLC (ABI) HQ LOCATION: 1248 WEST MAIN STREET, SUITE 23, EPHRATA PA 17522 ROLE: THIRD-PARTY CODE ENFORCEMENT ALLEGATION: SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT / GROSS NEGLIGENCE KEYWORDS: #EphrataCodeEnforcement #ABI #PublicSafetyFailure
By Sunshine Firecracker2 days ago in Criminal
Story of Larry Hoover
Larry Hoover Legacy in Reform and Pop Culture For more than half a century, the name Larry Hoover has carried a weight that echoes through Chicago’s history and American urban culture. Often discussed in connection with crime, controversy, or organized street life, Hoover’s identity became a symbol far larger than the man himself. But beyond the headlines, beyond the mythology, and beyond the notoriety, there exists a lesser‑known story: the story of a human being who evolved, reflected, transformed, and worked to redirect others from the path he once walked. It is this story — the one buried beneath decades of public narrative — that reveals the depth of Larry Hoover’s transformation.
By Organic Products 3 days ago in Criminal
Center Stage with Paul Stewart
*** I'm keen to republish the interviews I did for my series with Vocal creators. It's been a few years and I thought it might be nice to revisit these wonderful conversations. I'll be releasing them one at a time for a few weeks/months.
By Heather Hubler4 days ago in Interview
Comments (1)
Truly sad case, this world is full of demons. They come in all colors