Bossier City: A Shocking Verdict in a Tragic Murder Case
In the quiet city of Bossier City, Louisiana, a jury has made a significant decision that has sent ripples through the community. On November 22, 2023, a jury took less than three hours to reach a unanimous verdict, finding Otis Ray Smith Jr., just 24 years old, guilty of second-degree murder for the tragic shooting of Adrian Carradine, who was only 20.
The Night of Chaos
The events leading to this verdict unfolded on a fateful night back on February 10, 2020. Carradine was at home on Alison Avenue with five others when chaos erupted. Two individuals opened fire through the walls of the house. Those individuals were identified as Raymond Henry and, of course, Smith. The round that struck Carradine hit him directly in the chest, leading to his untimely death.
The Aftermath: A Fast-Paced Police Chase
In the days following the incident, the police acted quickly. Bossier City police officers testified during the trial about a high-speed chase that took place after the shooting. Dashcam footage revealed how the chase finally came to a halt on Clyde Fant Parkway. Both Henry and Smith tried to escape on foot; however, they were met with swift justice. The 15-year-old girl driving the getaway car was captured immediately, while Henry was apprehended shortly after a brief foot pursuit. Smith, unfortunately, managed to evade capture that night.
A Long Wait for Justice
Fast forward to June 2023, and Smith was finally arrested. The wait for justice had been long, but it hadn’t been in vain. During the trial, the jury heard expert testimony from detectives who had meticulously tracked down the two firearms used in the crime. One of these firearms was surprisingly thrown from the getaway vehicle by none other than Smith himself.
Evidence Piling Up
As the case unfolded, detectives cataloged over 25 shell casings at the scene, leading to crucial evidence linking Smith to the crime. An expert from the North Louisiana Crime Lab confirmed that the casings matched the recovered guns. Further investigations revealed that Smith’s DNA and fingerprints were present in the getaway vehicle.
Eye-Witness Accounts Solidify the Case
To solidify the case against Smith, the jury was shown 3D scans of the crime scene—an innovative approach that allowed them to visualize the distinct firing paths. More notably, both the 15-year-old driver and Henry identified Smith as the second shooter. The compelling combination of physical evidence, eyewitness testimony, and cutting-edge technology presented a powerful case for the jury.
Justice Delivered
In his closing remarks, Bossier Webster District Attorney Schuyler Marvin expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Bossier City Police Department and the North Louisiana Crime Lab, stating, “The Bossier City Police Department should be commended for a job well done. They delivered a solid case to our office containing video, DNA, recovered firearms, crime scene scans, and fingerprints. I’m proud of everyone involved on this one.”
The Road Ahead for Smith
Smith is now facing a mandatory sentence of life in prison, an outcome that reflects the seriousness of his actions. Sentencing is set to occur on April 14, 2025, under the watchful eye of Judge Doug Stinson. The community of Bossier City is left to grapple with the consequences of this tragic event, but the verdict brings a sense of closure to a case that shook the very foundations of their neighborhood.
As we all process the heartbreaking loss of Adrian Carradine, the hope is that justice serves as a serious reminder of the repercussions of violence in our communities.
