As previously reported, in the early hours of September 1, 2023, at around 1:07 a.m., West Division officers of the Fort Worth Police Department were on routine patrol in the vicinity of 3000 Bledsoe Street when they were alerted by the sound of multiple gunshots in the area.
Responding to the incident, officers discovered an adult male victim who had sustained apparent gunshot wounds. The victim, identified as West Smith, a Junior at Texas Christian University (TCU), was found lying on the ground. He was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. However, tragically, despite medical efforts, Smith succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
During the course of their investigation, detectives determined that West Smith was shot while standing in the street by an assailant who subsequently fled the scene, leaving another bystander assaulted in their wake.
Fort Worth Police Department officers from the Real Time Crime Center and the Air Support Unit collaborated to swiftly locate the suspect in the vicinity. Responding officers successfully apprehended the suspect, identified as 21-year-old Matthew Purdy, who is currently in custody.
Matthew Purdy faces a charge of Murder in connection with the fatal shooting of West Smith.
