Man pleads guilty to murdering Texas college student in random shooting
- Matthew Purdy shot Wes Smith multiple times outside a bar in Fort Worth, Texas.
- Smith was remembered as a compassionate individual who dedicated his life to helping others.
- The shooting led to a community mourning and raised awareness about public safety issues.
In Fort Worth, Texas, on September 1, 2023, a tragic shooting occurred in the West 7th entertainment district, resulting in the death of a Texas Christian University student, Wes Smith. Wes was only 21 years old and was struck multiple times by gunfire from a man named Matthew Purdy, age 23, who approached him and shot him without any apparent motive. During the chaotic moments that followed, Purdy also assaulted another fleeing TCU student. Authorities described the act as a random and unprovoked act of violence, sending shockwaves through the community and sparking widespread mourning. In the aftermath, Wes's parents spoke at the court proceedings, highlighting the pain and grief surrounding their son’s senseless murder. They recounted Wes's compassionate nature and how he dedicated much of his life to helping others, including mentoring young athletes. His father, Philip Smith, expressed the agony felt by not just the family but an entire community, as Wes had a significant impact on many lives through his kindness and laughter. When Purdy was arrested soon after the incident, he admitted to shooting Wes three times and hitting another student as he fled, claiming he ran out of bullets before he could continue the assault. The local authorities took swift action, leading to charges against Purdy for murder and aggravated assault. In a plea hearing, he ended up pleading guilty to both charges, resulting in a sentence of 60 years for the murder and an additional 20 years for the aggravated assault, with all sentences to be served concurrently. The tragedy raised conversations about community safety in public spaces, especially in crowded areas like the West 7th entertainment district. Wes’s death was mourned not only by his family but also by classmates, friends, and community members, who gathered for vigils and memorials across Fort Worth, underscoring the profound impact he had made in his short life. This incident served as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of violence and the importance of community support during times of grief.