Texas Man Sentenced 60 Years Murdering TCU Student

Matthew Purdy Jr., 23, was sentenced to 60 years in prison after pleading guilty to the random shooting murder of 21-year-old Texas Christian University student Wes Smith outside a Fort Worth bar in September 2023. Purdy shot Smith three times—twice in the body and once in the head—to ensure he was dead, and also assaulted another TCU student during the incident. In addition to the murder sentence, Purdy received 20 years for aggravated assault and multiple other felony charges, resulting in a total of 206 years, though all sentences will run concurrently. Smith’s parents addressed the court, describing their son's death as causing widespread grief and mourning, and highlighting his character as a mentor and a beloved athlete committed to helping others. The shooting shocked the Fort Worth community, with vigils and memorials held across the TCU campus and city. Authorities confirmed the shooting was unprovoked and random, and Purdy admitted to the crime during the plea hearing, expressing no remorse for the brutality of his actions.