Former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Rae Carruth has been released from prison today after serving 18 years for his role in the murder of his son’s mother, Cherica Adams, and the permanent brain damage her death instilled upon their unborn infant, Chancellor Lee Adams.
On November 16th, 1999, Adams was shot four times in her vehicle by Van Brett Watkins, a hitman hired by Carruth. The murder occurred after Adams and Carruth were leaving the movies, with Carruth blocking Cherica’s vehicle which allowed the hitman to pull to the side of her car and murder Adams.
Before Adams died, she named Rae Carruth as her killer during a 911 call. She also wrote Rae Carruth’s name on a notepad as her killer when she temporarily awoke from a coma. Fortunately, her unborn child, Chancellor Lee Adams, was able to survive, but he suffered from a lack of oxygen and was born with cerebral palsy- a condition he developed as a direct result of the shooting.
In 2001, Rae Carruth was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and using an instrument to destroy an unborn child and was sentenced to 18-24 years in prison. His conviction was largely due to Cherica’s 911 call, and a confession of motive from Watkins stating he was hired by Carruth because the former Panthers wide receiver did not want to pay child support for his unborn child.
Chancellor is currently being raised by Cherica’s mother, Saundra Adams. He and Saundra have publicly stated they would like for Chancellor to have a relationship with his father and have forgiven him for the crime he committed years ago.
In February 2018, Carruth wrote a 15 page open letter stating his side of the story, accusing Cherica’s mother of telling lies about him throughout the years, but accepting his role in the crime and showing compassion for the strength his son has endured living with cerebral palsy.
In his letter, he also stated he would like to obtain custody of his son, Chancellor. He was released today from Sampson Correctional Facility in Clinton, North Carolina, but there is no word on if he will follow through with his custodial wishes.
