Man Charged with Death of 12-Year-Old Released on Bond

TYLER — A Smith County man who turned himself in to authorities April 21 following the death of a 12-year-old boy has been released from jail on bond. KETK reports an arrest warrant was issued for Vernon Ray Caddell, 56, of Tyler, by Judge Jack Skeen, Jr. Caddell is charged with manslaughter. According to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, on April 19 at around 4:00 p.m., Jiree Mobley was taken to a local hospital after he was thrown from his ATV upon hitting a barbed line at the end of County Road 3158. Mobley was pronounced dead by a physician and his body was sent to Dallas for autopsy.

Detectives interviewed Caddell, who is believed to be responsible for stringing the barbed wire across CR 3158. After speaking with the Smith County District Attorney’s Office, authorities made the decision to take Caddell into custody. The suspect was released Wednesday night on $25,000 bond.