Former Panthers Receiver Rae Carruth Released From Prison

by
Former Writers
October 22, 2018

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Former Panthers WR Rae Carruth Released From Prison After Serving 18 Years

As of October 22nd, 2018, former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Rae Carruth is now a free man. Carruth served 18 years in prison for his role in the murder of his ex-girlfriend and mother of his unborn child at the time.

Cherica Adams was shot four times on November 16th back in 1999 by Van Brett Watkins, a man hired by Carruth. Watkins is currently serving time with a minimum sentence of 40 years.

The Murder Of Cherica Adams

Crime

Despite her condition, Adams managed to dial 911 and implicate Carruth in the shooting. Carruth pulled in front of Adams’ car after they had both left a movie theater. This allowed Van Brett Watkins to pull up in another vehicle to then shoot Adams.

Adams’ and Carruth’s son, Chancellor Lee Adams, was born with brain damage and cerebral palsy due to lack of oxygen for an extended period of time. He’s 18 years old now and has to be under the supervision of a caregiver.

Carruth has stated multiple times that he would like to have a relationship with his son. However, Cherica Adams’ mother, Saundra, has full custody of Chancellor. That decision would ultimately be made by her.

Punishment

The murder and the trial shook the sports world and the Carolina Panthers pretty hard. Carruth was sentenced to 18-24 years in prison back in 2001 for his conspiracy to commit murder, shooting into an occupied dwelling, and using an instrument to destroy an unborn child.

There are those who may feel that he shouldn’t have been released at all. Others may think that he has served his time and now deserves a second chance in society. Either way, Rae Carruth has plenty to deal with as he journeys through the next phase of his life.

Carruth will take part in a nine-month release program. He can leave the state or the country during that period but will need permission from a case officer to do so. After the nine months is up, he will be free to travel as he pleases.

Although Carruth did not speak to any reporters upon his release, he did give a statement in a phone interview with WSOC-TV in Charlotte, North Carolina prior to his discharge.

Carruth’s Time In The League

Rae Carruth was the Carolina Panthers’ 27th overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft. Carruth started 14 games for the Panthers in his rookie year and had 44 catches for 545 yards with four touchdowns.

His career seemed promising but a broken foot in the 1998 season opener cost him the entire season. He played just six games during the 1999 season which would prove to be his last.