Earlier this week, students at Texas A&M University-Commerce were horrified to learn of a tragic shooting that claimed the life of two women and resulted in a two-year-old boy being wounded. Well, now the victims in the shooting have been identified as sisters Abbaney Matts and Deja Matts—and Abbaney’s ex-boyfriend has been arrested for their murders.
@NBCDFW reports, 21-year-old Jacques Dshawn Smith is currently in custody and suspected to have shot and killed his ex-girlfriend, 20-year-old Abbaney Matts, and her 19-year-old sister, freshman Deja Matts, while wounding Abbaney’s young son as the trio were inside the Pride Rock residence hall where Deja lived on campus. According to Texas A&M University-Commerce police, Smith is expected to soon be charged with capital murder.
At the time of the shooting, Smith was actually free on $15,000 bond related to claim of assault family violence that was filed by Abbaney, which happened just last week, and she was granted an emergency protective order. According to authorities, Abbaney said Smith physically assaulted her January 27th with a frying pan and a lamp before pulling out a knife. Although she was not hospitalized, Abbaney reported she sustained injuries to the right side of her head, her eyes and had red marks and abrasions following the assault.
Upon further investigation, Smith’s prior criminal history has also been revealed. He has a list of past arrests, including charges for evading arrest, theft and aggravated robbery.
Abbaney reportedly had her son when she drove Deja back to her dorm room on February 2nd, but since it was late, they all stayed the night in Deja’s room. The following day is when the shooting occurred and now family members are questioning how Smith, who was not a student at Texas A&M gained access inside the dorm.
University police said eyewitness tips and surveillance video led to the development of Smith as a suspect. Both search and arrest warrants at were issued at Smith’s Rowlett home on Luna Road and he was taken into custody while he was at home in Rowlett.
The family has set up a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses for Abbaney and Deja. We want to send them our thoughts and prayers.
Roommates, what are your thoughts on this?
