Wes Smith: Texas Christian University student shot dead in random act of violence
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
FORT WORTH, TEXAS: Wes Smith, a student at Texas Christian University, lost his life in a random fatal attack early Friday, September 1, morning outside the Your Mom's House bar in the West 7th District of Fort Worth, as per the Daily Mail.
Matthew Purdy allegedly fired three shots at Smith, leading to his death. The accused, who has been detained by the police, apparently told authorities that he would have taken the lives of more people if there were bullets.
What happened with Wes Smith?
Wes Smith, 21, was standing on Bledsoe Street when Mattew Purdy reportedly approached him, and the two conversed for a few moments, according to FOX 4 KDFW.
Following, Purdy took out his weapon and shot Smith twice – in the stomach as well as in the shoulder. He did not stop there as the suspect also apparently fired at the back of Smith’s head to "make sure he was dead."
Purdy was immediately arrested after the crime and slapped with a murder charge, with his bond amount set at $500,000.
Wes Smith remembered as a 'beloved' person
A spokesperson for the Texas Christian University said, "We are devastated by the tragic death of one of our students, junior Wes Smith from Germantown, Tennessee," as per FOX 4.
They added, "He was a beloved member of our community, and we grieve with his family and friends."
Timothy Gibson, the head of the St George’s Independent School in Memphis, Tennessee, where Smith was a student, shared, "I was truly shocked by violence for a young man who truly cared so much for everyone."
"He was a varsity football player. He played varsity basketball and varsity lacrosse. He was our student body president, and he was our prefect of athletics," stated Gibson, adding, "I think that’s what hurts the most is the world lost a really good person, and the world needs good people now more than ever.”
An emotional statement issued by Smith’s family read, "Wes was truly an amazing and loving son, brother, cousin, and friend to so many."
It added, "We are heartbroken by his passing and ask for the space to grieve during this terribly difficult time."
Besides, TCU Chaplain Rev Todd Boling reportedly noted, "He was kind and cared about people and he wanted them to know that. There's a real sense of loss around how wonderful he was and the fact that he's gone now."