A star student at Texas Christian University was shot dead in a random attack outside a bar in the early hours of Friday, with the accused killer telling police he shot him in the head to “make sure he was dead” .
Wes Smith, 21, of Germantown, Tennessee, was outside the Your Mom’s House bar in Fort Worth’s West 7th District when Matthew Purdy, also 21, reportedly walked up to him around 1 a.m.
Police said Purdy briefly spoke to Smith and then opened fire, shooting him in the shoulder and stomach. When Smith fell to the sidewalk, Purdy shot him in the head.
Wes Smith, 21, was shot dead in Fort Worth, Texas, in the early hours of Friday
Smith was a star athlete, excelling at lacrosse and basketball and playing football for the TCU team
Matthew Purdy, 21, was arrested shortly after the murder and has been charged with Smith’s murder
Smith was killed in Fort Worth’s West 7th District, known for its vibrant nightlife
Two people who were nearby and witnessed the murder ran from the scene and was chased by Purdy – who hit the runaway woman in the back of the head with the gun.
Purdy was arrested soon after, beaten, and placed in a patrol car.
An officer noticed movement a short time later and discovered that Purdy was still carrying the gun.
He had taken it apart and thrown pieces of it out of the car when the officer opened the door to check on him.
Police now believe he hid the 9mm pistol in his crotch.
Purdy told police he would have killed the woman if he hadn’t run out of ammunition. The Star Telegram reported.
Purdy told police he shot Smith in the head “because he wanted to make sure he was dead,” the affidavit said.
He was unable to explain why he shot Smith, and it is believed the two did not know each other.
Purdy was on trial in Tarrant County — which includes Fort Worth — after pleading guilty to aggravated robbery last year.
He is still in jail, held on $500,000 bond.
Smith’s friends and family, meanwhile, spoke of their devastation at his senseless murder.
Flowers are left in tribute to Wes Smith, who was killed on Friday
He studied finance in college, was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, and had played for the Horned Frogs football team his freshman year.
He also coached football, including the team of the mayor’s son.
Mattie Parker, the mayor of Fort Worth, said Friday that Smith was “a remarkable young man.”
Smith attended St. George’s Independent School in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was student body president and a prefect of athletics, excelling in lacrosse, basketball, and football.
In December 2020, he was named Defensive Player of the Year for Tennessee’s second division.
“I was truly shocked by the violence against a young man who really cared so much for everyone,” said Timothy Gibson, the school’s principal.
Smit graduated in 2021.
Smith was remembered as a sports star and a leader among his peers
Smith was a star on the basketball court, lacrosse field, and football field
In a letter to staff and parents, Gibson said Smith “excelled in every way — as a scientist, athlete, and leader.”
Gibson continued, “Wes was always a leader who made everyone around him better.”
The Smith family paid tribute to his life.
“Wes was truly a wonderful and loving son, brother, cousin and friend to so many,” they said.
“We are heartbroken by his passing and ask for space to mourn at this terribly difficult time.”