Teen on Mass. Most Wanted list captured in Fall River

FALL RIVER, Mass. — One of the youngest suspects ever to be placed on Massachusetts State Police's Most Wanted Fugitive List has been captured.

Jayden Smith is 16 now, was 15 when he allegedly shot and killed a man in Fall River in mid-July. Smith and another man were recorded on video, hiding behind parked cars, moving up the side walk and shooting Jerrod Cohen.

"Very dangerous...very young and he has no regard for life," Fall River Detective Dwaine Cabaceiras had said.

Last week, Jayden was add to MSP's Most Wanted List. Police offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to Smith's arrest.

Police say Smith tried to ambush his target and ended up shooting and killing the wrong man. Jerrod Cohen was shot to death on Plain Street outside his home.

Smith's mother is homeless and living in the Boston area, but FOX25's Bob Ward spoke with his guardian after Smith's court hearing Tuesday.

Melissa Cabeceiras said it's the first time she's seen Smith since July.

"He's a kid. He's just like every other kid," Cabaceiras said.

She took Smith in when his mother hit the streets.

"He's young...and stuff happens and now he's in this situation. He's an adult now. That's really not how he is with me anyway," Cabaceiras said.

She said she saw a different side to Smith. But everything changed when police knocked on their door in July looking for Smith in connection to Cohen's murder.

Now, three months later, Smith is behind bars and the reality that he may stay there for the rest of his life is something his family now has to face.

"Of course [it was tough to see him in court]. You never want to see your kid -- anybody's kid -- go through that situation, it's hard. If they go to jail, you know what they are in for, if the don't, you know what you're in for," Cabeceiras said. "Whether you go to jail or not, people are going to have stuff to say. It's going to be tough regardless from here on out."

Smith has been held without bail. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him.

Smith's family said no matter how this works out, they are standing behind him.

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