The ex-boyfriend of one of the two sisters has been charged with capital murder after a fatal shooting in a Texas university residence hall on Monday.
Jacques Dshawn Smith, 21, is believed to have shot and killed his ex-girlfriend, 20-year-old Abbaney Matts and her 19-year-old sister Deja Matts, who was a freshman at Texas A&M University-Commerce and was studying to be a nurse. The 2-year-old son of the elder Matts was injured in the shooting. Smith and the deceased mother were not students at the school.
According to authorities, the shooting in the Pride Rock resident hall, where Deja lived, was a “targeted, isolated event.” Investigations are still active.
This remains an active investigation with multiple law enforcement agencies assisting. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.
— A&M-Commerce (@tamuc) February 4, 2020
Family of the victims said Matts drove her sister back to school after a family gathering, and she and her son were only planning to stay the night.
A neighboring student reported the shooting Monday at about 10:15 a.m. local time, saying there appeared to be a bullet hole in her wall. Police arrived to find the bodies of the two women and Abbaney’s injured son. Allen was grazed in the foot by a bullet and treated at a hospital. He has since been released to family.
Smith was arrested at his home the day after the shooting.
the ex-boyfriend of Abbaney Matts, one of the deceased individuals.
An arrest warrant was obtained through the use of surveillance and witness tips.
A&M-Commerce University Police Department led the investigation with the help of the Texas Rangers, FBI, DPS, ATF,
— @TAMUCUPD (@tamucupd) February 4, 2020
A spokesman for the Garland police said the suspect had previously been arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on Jan. 27. He reportedly hit Matts with a lamp and frying pan and threatened her with a knife. He posted a $15,000 bond and was released. An emergency protective order was put in place for the Matts family, and Smith was ordered not to contact them. He was also prohibited from being in possession of a deadly weapon.
“Our hearts go out to everyone in the community who has been impacted by this tragedy,” said Mark Rudin, president of Texas A&M University-Commerce. “The health and safety of our students is always our top priority.”
Counselors are available in the student center for anyone needing assistance. All classes, programs, and events on campus were canceled Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Classes are expected to resume Thursday.
