A tragic case in South Bend, Indiana, has reached a turning point after two young men admitted guilt in a deadly shooting that claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy and injured another teen. Prosecutors described the senseless violence as a case that “just tears at your heart.”
Guilty Pleas in Deadly Shooting
On Monday, 19-year-old Amarion Cutler pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated battery in connection with the October 2023 shooting that killed 12-year-old Josiah Small and injured a 14-year-old boy.
As part of a plea deal, prosecutors dropped murder and conspiracy to commit murder charges. A judge sentenced Cutler to 25 years in prison, with credit for the nearly two years he has already served.
Last week, 22-year-old Nagomba White Jr. pleaded guilty to murder and battery with a deadly weapon. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 3.
How the Shooting Happened
The incident occurred around 9 p.m. on October 27, 2023. According to investigators, three 12-year-old boys and one 14-year-old boy were walking in an alley when they briefly confronted two men sitting in a car. After the boys walked away, prosecutors say the men made a U-turn, chased the children down, and opened fire.
Video evidence showed the suspects speeding toward the boys, getting out of their car, and shooting in two directions — one man chasing Josiah and his friend, the other pursuing the other two boys. Gunfire left Josiah dead at the scene and the 14-year-old with a leg wound.
Police were alerted by the city’s ShotSpotter system, which detects gunfire, and quickly responded. Detectives later identified White and Cutler as the shooters.
A Community in Mourning
The killing shocked the South Bend community, with St. Joseph County Prosecutor Ken Cotter calling it especially heartbreaking.
“Every murder is senseless to those of us that don’t do that,” Cotter said. “But gosh darn it, this one just tears at your heart.”
Josiah’s family described him as a bright, fun-loving boy. He had just celebrated his 12th birthday a week before his death. According to his obituary, Josiah loved anime, YouTube, wrestling, and football at Dickinson Middle School. He also adored spending time with his baby sister.
His mother, Erika Small, said she had moved her family earlier in 2023 to escape violence. She told the South Bend Tribune that while the guilty pleas don’t erase her pain, she takes comfort in knowing the police worked hard to bring justice for her son.
What Comes Next
With Cutler sentenced and White awaiting his October hearing, the legal chapter of this case is nearing its end. But for Josiah’s family, the loss is permanent. The tragedy serves as a painful reminder of how quickly lives can be shattered by senseless violence, leaving loved ones and communities to carry the weight of grief.
