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New Orleans Murder-for-Hire Indictment Unsealed
A federal grand jury has returned a four-count indictment charging Nemesis Bates, 34, and Aaron Smith, 27, both of New Orleans, with conspiracy, murder-for-hire, causing death through the use of a firearm, and conspiracy to use firearms.
The indictment, unsealed on April 4, 2013, alleges that Bates and Smith were involved in the November 21, 2010, murder of Christopher Smith. Bates is currently in custody, while Smith is already incarcerated in Orleans Parish Prison.
According to the indictment, Bates is charged with Solicitation to Commit a Crime of Violence (Count 1), which carries a maximum penalty of one-half the maximum term of imprisonment or a fine of one-half the maximum fine prescribed for the crime solicited.
In addition, Bates and Smith are charged with Use of Interstate Commerce Facilities in the Commission of Murder-for-Hire (Count 2), which carries a punishment of death or life imprisonment, or a fine of up to $250,000. They are also charged with Causing the Death of Christopher Smith through the Use and Carrying of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence (Count 3), which carries a punishment of death or life imprisonment. Finally, they are charged with Conspiracy to Possess Firearms During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence (Count 4), which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Boente reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The indictment is the culmination of a federal grand jury investigation conducted with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.), the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Greg Kennedy and Liz Privitera.
Nemesis Bates, 34, was taken into custody by federal agents, while Aaron Smith, 27, is already incarcerated in Orleans Parish Prison. The indictment marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the murder of Christopher Smith.
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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