In a case that has gripped Fort Worth, 23-year-old Matthew Purdy Jr. has been sentenced to six decades behind bars for the murder of Texas Christian University student Wes Smith. According to a social media post from the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office, Purdy pled guilty to the killing that took place on September 1, 2023. In a tragic turn of events, Smith was assisting a friend outside a bar when Purdy shot him, ultimately ensuring his death with a final shot in the back of the head.
Purdy's sentence also includes 20 years for the aggravated assault of another TCU student, whom Purdy pistol-whipped during the same incident. According to reports, the assault of the 18-year-old woman occurred as she attempted to flee from the shooting. In an interview with police, it was revealed that Purdy didn't shoot her because he had run out of bullets. The sentences for eight additional felony charges were handed down, totaling 206 years, but will run concurrently.
The loss of Wes Smith was felt deeply by the community and his family. With his sentencing, Purdy faced the aggrieved family of the victim. "I believe he died a hero taking that bullet so no one else had to," Philip Smith, Wes's father, told Purdy in an allocution that echoes through the somber courtroom walls, as per the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office.
The sentencing brought to a conclusion a process that has seen dedicated work from Fort Worth Homicide Detective Cedillo and the rest of the Fort Worth Police Department. Commended were DA Investigator Benjamin Lopez and DA Victim Advocate Cece Jones for their commitment to justice and community safety.
