“Fatal First Date”: 48 Hours Reports on Leslie Reeves Homicide November 2 2024
by Ryan Gill · October 31, 2024
On Saturday, November 2, 2024, CBS’s true-crime series 48 Hours will present a deeply unsettling episode titled “Fatal First Date.” Airing at 10:00 PM ET/PT and available for streaming on Paramount+, the episode is reported by Erin Moriarty and explores the devastating case of Chris Smith and Leslie Reeves. The pair’s first date ended in unthinkable violence when an armed intruder broke into Smith’s Illinois home, leaving Reeves dead and Smith gravely wounded. This episode delves into the tragic incident, uncovering the events that unfolded, the investigation’s challenges, and the eventual conviction of the man responsible.
Set against the backdrop of Farmersville, Illinois, the episode follows the painstaking journey to justice and survival. Through in-depth interviews, 48 Hours sheds light on the personal impact of the crime on Smith, the relentless legal battle, and the lasting effects on all those involved.
A First Date Turns Deadly
Leslie Reeves and Chris Smith met online and agreed to meet in person for the first time on November 24, 2021, the night before Thanksgiving. Reeves, a business owner and advocate for domestic violence victims, was well-known and respected in her community in Troy, Illinois. Smith, a single father with a successful business, was looking forward to the date, unaware that it would alter his life forever. The evening started peacefully, but it soon turned tragic when an intruder, later identified as Reeves’ ex-boyfriend Robert Tarr, broke into Smith’s home in the early hours.
The intruder’s presence triggered a violent confrontation, leaving Reeves fatally shot in the living room. Smith, who was also shot in the head, was found clinging to life in his kitchen. Emergency personnel, including Smith’s friend Dennis Hobson, arrived to a grisly scene, and Reeves’ death left the community in shock. Smith, miraculously alive but severely injured, faced a long path of medical recovery and personal resilience.
A Complex Investigation Begins
The initial investigation into Reeves’ murder and Smith’s attempted murder was complicated by the lack of any weapon at the scene and Smith’s inability to provide details. He was placed in a medically induced coma, which delayed critical information-gathering. When he regained consciousness two months later, Smith’s memory of the night was completely erased, hindering detectives’ efforts.
Without immediate leads, detectives shifted their focus to Reeves’ past. The investigation took a significant turn when Reeves’ ex-boyfriend, Robert Tarr, became a prime suspect. Known for his turbulent relationship with Reeves, Tarr was suspected of stalking her. Surveillance footage captured a car matching Tarr’s vehicle near Smith’s house on the night of the crime, providing the first substantial link to Tarr’s involvement. As the case built, evidence from surveillance cameras and witness statements solidified Tarr’s connection, leading to his arrest.
Trial and Conviction: Justice for Reeves
Robert Tarr’s trial began in early 2024, where the prosecution presented damning evidence, including the surveillance footage and eyewitness testimonies that detailed his movements on the night of the murder. Despite Tarr’s insistence on his innocence, the jury found him guilty of first-degree murder for Leslie Reeves and attempted murder for the near-fatal shooting of Chris Smith.
The sentencing was a moment of bittersweet relief for Smith, who publicly expressed gratitude for the justice served, though he acknowledged that it could never restore his previous life. Tarr received a sentence of 85 years in prison, effectively ensuring he would spend the remainder of his life behind bars. During the sentencing, the judge underscored the brutality of Tarr’s actions and his lack of remorse, emphasizing that this sentence was necessary for justice.
Chris Smith’s Journey of Recovery and Resilience
Since the attack, Chris Smith’s life has been irrevocably changed. After months in a coma, Smith underwent multiple brain surgeries and intensive physical therapy. His injuries left him partially paralyzed, and he continues to struggle with limited movement in his left arm and leg. His young daughter, who was only nine when the attack occurred, has also been profoundly affected, adding emotional challenges to Smith’s physical recovery.
Despite these obstacles, Smith has shown remarkable resilience. Determined to regain his independence, he recently invested in a Bioness L300 device to assist with mobility, which has allowed him to walk short distances once more. His recovery has inspired him to share his story through a book deal, aiming to motivate others facing adversity. In public statements, Smith has become a powerful advocate for perseverance, urging others to never give up, even in the face of overwhelming hardship.
The Lasting Impact of a Tragic Night
The tragic story of Leslie Reeves’ death and Chris Smith’s survival continues to resonate within their communities and beyond. Reeves’ life was one of dedication to helping others, particularly those affected by domestic violence. Her death has left a void in Troy, Illinois, where she was known for her self-defense and fitness classes. Smith’s life, too, has been permanently altered, yet his determination to rebuild offers a glimmer of hope amid sorrow.
While Tarr’s life sentence provides some closure, the scars left by this brutal crime remain. For Smith and Reeves’ loved ones, the aftermath is a constant reminder of the unexpected dangers that can emerge even in familiar, seemingly safe situations. “Fatal First Date” encapsulates this tragedy and the emotional complexity that often surrounds justice, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.
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