“Fatal First Date”: 48 Hours Reports on Leslie Reeves Homicide August 16 2025

This Sunday, August 16 2025, at 9:00 PM ET/PT, CBS’s 48 Hours airs an encore presentation of “Fatal First Date,” reported by Erin Moriarty. The episode examines the tragic events of November 24, 2021, when Leslie Reeves, a community advocate and mother of two, was murdered on a first date with Chris Smith in Farmersville, Illinois. Smith survived a gunshot wound to the head, launching a complex investigation that exposed jealousy, domestic violence, and attempted murder for hire.

A Promising Evening Turns Fatal

Leslie Reeves and Chris Smith met online and decided to go out the night before Thanksgiving in 2021. They visited Uptown Saloon, where witnesses recalled the couple enjoying themselves. Afterward, they returned to Smith’s home to end the evening. In the early hours of Thanksgiving morning, their night was violently interrupted.

An intruder broke into Smith’s home, shooting both Smith and Reeves. Reeves was shot execution-style in the head and died instantly. Smith was shot in the head but survived. His dog, Tiki, stayed by his side through the night, keeping him warm until help arrived. It was only after Reeves’ friend called for a welfare check that authorities discovered the scene.

The Investigation Begins

Illinois State Police found no weapon at the scene but recovered two 9mm shell casings. The home showed signs of a struggle—furniture overturned, a broken glass door, and a burnt pizza in the oven. Detectives quickly ruled out a murder-suicide. Smith was placed into a medically induced coma, unable to assist in the investigation, as he remembered nothing from the night.

Attention turned to Reeves’ past. Friends disclosed she had been trying to cut ties with her ex-boyfriend, Robert “Bobby” Tarr. They told investigators that Reeves feared him, and had recently blocked him on all platforms. She had even predicted that Tarr might someday kill her. That prediction would become the cornerstone of a case built on circumstantial evidence, digital trails, and witness testimony.

Robert Tarr: The Jealous Ex

Robert Tarr lived in Collinsville, Illinois, about an hour from Farmersville. He had a history of jealousy and control issues in his relationship with Reeves. Surveillance footage and digital evidence showed Tarr was near the scene on the night of the murder. He initially denied knowing Farmersville or leaving his home that evening, but his own daughter contradicted that claim. She testified that he left twice that night and returned home visibly shaken.

Investigators eventually found a 9mm Springfield Hellcat pistol in a Ziploc bag at Tarr’s residence—discovered by his own family. Reeves’ DNA was found on the guide rod of the weapon. Though Tarr’s fingerprints weren’t on the gun, his fingerprint was on the bag. Despite his insistence that Reeves owned the gun, friends and a firearms instructor said she never brought such a weapon to practice.

The Trial and Conviction

Tarr was charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder. At trial, prosecutors argued that Tarr couldn’t accept Reeves moving on and followed her to Farmersville, where he ambushed the couple. They showed he had searched for Smith online and looked into masking his phone location using a VPN.

The defense argued there was no forensic evidence placing Tarr inside the home. No fingerprints or blood were found in his car. They also claimed the scene suggested a struggle, inconsistent with Tarr’s supposed ability to leave without a trace. But prosecutors contended that the most blood loss occurred while Smith lay unattended for 12 hours after the attack.

The jury took only three hours to find Tarr guilty on all counts. He was sentenced to 85 years in prison—25 years for Reeves’ murder, 10 for Smith’s attempted murder, and 50 years for using a firearm. He must serve at least 85% of the sentence.

Aftermath: A Survivor’s Journey

Chris Smith’s survival is medically extraordinary. He suffered a bullet wound to the head, endured three strokes, and was in a coma for weeks. When he awoke, he had no memory of the night, Reeves, or the attack. Doctors warned he might never walk again. Today, he lives with partial paralysis and constant pain.

Smith lost nearly everything: his home was looted and eventually demolished, his truck and business were gone, and he had to move in with his mother. Despite these losses, he found strength in rehabilitation and returned to performing with his rock band. He also found new love with Michelle Albrecht, to whom he proposed on stage.

The Legacy of Leslie Reeves

Leslie Reeves was more than a victim. She was a business owner, self-defense instructor, and advocate for women escaping domestic abuse. Her work made her a beloved figure in her community. Friends continue to honor her legacy by raising awareness about the signs of domestic violence and encouraging victims to seek help.

Her two children are now being raised by their father. Friends and family remember her as magnetic, passionate, and devoted to uplifting others.

Ongoing Legal Battles and Final Reflections

In addition to his convictions, Tarr was later charged with solicitation of murder for allegedly attempting to hire someone to kill Smith and the lead investigator. Those charges were ultimately dismissed. Smith, meanwhile, has filed a civil lawsuit against Tarr and is writing a book about his journey.

“Fatal First Date” is more than a story of a violent crime—it’s a reminder of how quickly life can change and how resilience can emerge from the unthinkable. Chris Smith’s recovery is ongoing, and Leslie Reeves’ impact continues to be felt.