On February 12, 2022, 16-year-old Kaden Barrick was shot and killed at Marshall City Park in Marshall, Texas. The shooting happened in the afternoon and Kaden was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Harrison County grand jury later indicted 17-year-old Xavier Johnt’e Smith; Smith was 16 at the time of the shooting. He was charged with murder and with engaging in organized criminal activity based on committing the murder while a member of a criminal street gang. Court findings stated the killing was premeditated and that Smith played a significant role in the events that led to Kaden’s death. Smith was found guilty and sentenced to 35 years in prison.

The case drew strong local attention and renewed discussion about gang-related youth violence and community prevention efforts. If anyone was at Marshall City Park that afternoon or has information about Kaden’s last hours, please share what is known.