How Could You? Hall of Shame-Catherine Smith case-Child Death

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

A 1970 case has come to light.

From Houma, Louisiana, a serial killer, William F. Schrader, who was 28 in 1970,” attacked his wife [Audrey] during an argument in the home and was kicked out by her in early 1970. He vowed to return and “burn the house down and kill all the bitches inside it,” as he gathered up his things, NBC Philadelphia reported”.😲

That house contained two foster children. The older foster child, Catherine Smith, died protecting her sister, Elizabeth.😢The fire occurred on October 31, 1970.

“Elizabeth suffered permanent brain damage. Audrey was hospitalized but survived without major injury. The blaze was investigated by both state and city fire officials, and, while no firm conclusions were reached as to its origins, arson was not ruled out. There the matter stayed until June of 1985 when city detectives received information that the fire had been deliberately started by defendant. Experts reexamined the burned-out remains, and after at least one concluded the fire was intentionally set. Defendant was indicted for the murder of Catherine Smith.

The indictment charged defendant with “first degree” murder in violation of La.R. S. 14:30. However, the alleged murder occurred in 1970, and prior to 1973 La.R.S. 14:30 did not distinguish between first and second degree murder. Thus, prior to trial on the merits, the state amended the indictment to charge defendant with murder. Defendant pled not guilty.

At trial the following year, the state presented evidence that defendant, at some point prior to the fire, threatened to burn down the house. There was also evidence that defendant purchased a small amount of gasoline about two hours before the fire started. Jurors returned with a responsive verdict of guilty of manslaughter.”

William was convicted and died in prison.

William Schrader died at age 62 in 2002.

Cops solve cold case in rape-murder of 9-year-old schoolgirl in church choir loft in 1962
[NY Post 11/1/25 by Chris Harris]

State v. Schrader January 18, 1988
[Justia January 28, 1988]

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