Abbaney Matts, a 20-year-old woman, tragically lost her life on February 3, 2020, in Commerce, Texas. She was found dead inside the Pride Rock Residence Hall at Texas A&M University-Commerce, alongside her 19-year-old sister, Deja Matts. The sisters were visiting the dormitory when the incident occurred. Abbaney's 2-year-old son, Allen, was also present and was shot in the leg but survived the attack.
The suspect in the case, Jacques Dshawn Smith, was Abbaney's ex-boyfriend.
Smith, aged 21, was arrested and charged with capital murder. According to reports, Smith had a history of violence against Abbaney, including an incident just days before the shooting where he assaulted her with a frying pan, lamp, and knife. Despite an emergency protective order being issued, Smith was released on bail.
The investigation revealed that Smith gained access to the dormitory and carried out the shooting. The tragic event led to a lockdown at the university, and the campus community was deeply affected by the loss of the two young women. The family of the victims has expressed their grief and emphasized the bright futures that Abbaney and Deja had ahead of them.
The case has drawn significant attention, and the legal proceedings against Smith have been ongoing. The family continues to seek justice for Abbaney and Deja, hoping to honor their memory and prevent such tragedies in the future.
