5 Essential Facts About the Murder of Leslie Reeves

Leslie Reeves, a 44-year-old mother of two, was stepping into the realm of online dating when she met Chris Smith, a potential match. Their promising first date on November 24, 2021, at the Uptown Saloon in Farmersville, Illinois, took a tragic turn, resulting in Leslie’s murder and Chris sustaining life-threatening injuries from a gunshot.

This harrowing incident continues to resonate within Illinois and will be explored in-depth in the upcoming episode of 48 Hours on CBS, titled Fatal First Date. Scheduled to air on November 2, 2024, at 10:00 PM EST, the episode presents a chilling narrative as outlined below:

“A couple’s first date ends with an ambush. Both are shot. Can the only survivor identify the shooter? Correspondent Erin Moriarty reports.”

The case is characterized by a series of unsettling details, including a jealous ex-boyfriend whose actions led to this devastating outcome. Below, we delve into five key aspects surrounding the murder of Leslie Reeves and the attempted murder of Chris Smith.

5 Disturbing Facts Surrounding the Tragic Incident

1) Allegations of Stalking by Bobby Tarr

After connecting online, Leslie and Chris agreed to meet at the Uptown Saloon, where a friend of Chris was performing that night. Unbeknownst to them, Bobby Tarr—Leslie’s ex-boyfriend—allegedly followed them throughout their date and later forced his way into Chris’s home around 1 AM.

2) An Unsolicited Breaking and Entering

As Leslie and Chris tried to prepare a pizza, chaos ensued when Tarr attempted to enter their residence. Leslie moved the refrigerator to block the door, while Chris contested Tarr’s entry. In a shocking turn of events, Tarr fired through the door, injuring Chris before he ultimately murdered Leslie in the living room.

3) The Heroic Role of Chris Smith’s Dog

In a remarkable display of loyalty, Chris Smith’s dog, Tikki, played a crucial role in his survival. Despite the traumatic events that unfolded, Tikki kept Chris warm for nearly 14 hours until help arrived after Leslie’s friend called for a welfare check. Chris credits his beloved three-year-old beagle-terrier mix for saving his life.

4) Immediate Suspicions on Bobby Tarr

From the onset, law enforcement directed their attention towards Bobby Tarr. His account of events contained discrepancies, and his jealous remarks concerning Leslie’s new relationship raised red flags. Cellphone records corroborated suspicions, leading to his conviction for first-degree murder, culminating in an 85-year prison sentence.

5) Ongoing Health Challenges for Chris Smith

The aftermath of the attack left Chris with severe injuries, including a gunshot wound to the head that necessitated brain surgery and resulted in complications such as three strokes. Despite dedicating seven weeks to intensive recovery in the ICU, Chris remains partially disabled and currently relies on a wheelchair and cane for assistance with mobility.

The upcoming episode of 48 Hours on CBS will provide a more comprehensive overview of this tragic case, shedding light on the dark realities of jealousy and violence in relationships.

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