Title: TCU Junior Fatally Shot in Shocking Act of Violence in Fort Worth’s Entertainment District
Subtitle: Suspect arrested and charged with murder; Community mourns the loss of a beloved student
FORT WORTH, Texas – In a disturbing development that has shocked the Fort Worth community, a junior at Texas Christian University (TCU) was tragically killed in an apparent random act of violence in the city’s Entertainment District. Wes Smith, a finance major and member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, was shot and killed early Friday morning near West 7th Street.
The suspect, 21-year-old Matthew Purdy, was arrested by Fort Worth Police in connection with the shooting. According to authorities, Purdy confessed to shooting Smith three times and admitted that he would have targeted more people if he hadn’t run out of ammunition.
Police disclosed that Purdy approached Smith on Bledsoe Street, exchanged a few words, and subsequently shot him three times — once in the stomach, once in the shoulder, and ultimately, in the back of the head. Purdy then fled the scene, assaulting a female as he attempted to escape. In a disturbing revelation, Purdy admitted that he would have also harmed the female if he had additional ammunition.
Upon apprehending Purdy, law enforcement officers missed the gun he still possessed. However, he was caught with the weapon in his hands while seated in the back of the police car. Purdy attempted to discard the gun by throwing it out of the squad car. He has since been charged with murder.
Wes Smith, known as a beloved member of the TCU community, had made significant contributions to his school. Besides being a dedicated finance major, Wes was a walk-on to the Horned Frogs football team during his freshman year. Although he did not continue playing for the team, he remained actively involved on campus and belonged to the Kappa Sigma fraternity.
The news of Smith’s tragic passing has deeply affected both his family and the TCU community. A spokesperson from TCU expressed their devastation and extended their condolences to Wes Smith’s loved ones.
The head of St. George’s Independent School, where Smith graduated from in 2021, also expressed his shock and praised Smith as an exceptional individual. Smith’s family released a statement on Friday, describing him as an amazing and loving son, brother, cousin, and friend.
Meanwhile, the suspect, Matthew Purdy, was already on probation for an aggravated robbery charge at the time of the shooting. He is currently held at the Tarrant County jail with a bond set at $500,000.
As the community mourns the loss of Wes Smith, TCU has made counselors available on the second floor of Jarvis Hall to provide support to students andfaculty. Additionally, St. George’s Independent School plans to honor Smith in the coming weeks, acknowledging his outstanding contributions across various spheres of school life.
The senseless act of violence that claimed the life of Wes Smith reminds us of the need for unity and safety in our communities. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Smith family and everyone affected by this tragic incident.