On January 25, 2024, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Arlington Police responded to a shooting at the Chatham Green Apartments in Arlington, Texas. Upon arrival, officers discovered 29-year-old Monique Elaine Smith deceased inside the apartment, along with 29-year-old Shannen Oshay Jones found dead in the doorway. A 31-year-old man, whose identity was not immediately released, was also found injured inside the apartment and later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
Two children present in the apartment were unharmed and were subsequently released to a family member.
Investigators noted evidence of drug activity at the scene, suggesting a potential motive for the crime. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Larry Dewayne Reed, was believed to have known at least one of the victims. Reed, who had previously lived in Arlington and had ties to Mississippi, was considered armed and dangerous. Authorities, including the U.S. Marshals Service, initiated a manhunt for Reed, urging anyone with information to come forward.
On February 6, 2024, following a tip from a citizen, Reed was located and apprehended at a residence near Greenville, Mississippi. He was taken into custody without incident and was expected to be extradited to North Texas to face capital murder charges for the deaths of Smith, Jones, and the unidentified male victim. Notably, Reed had been released from state prison on December 11, 2023, after serving 11 years for a 2012 murder in Arlington, raising concerns about his early release and subsequent involvement in the triple homicide.
Monique Elaine Smith, born on June 29, 1994, was remembered as a loving mother and caregiver. She worked at Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living in Arlington and was known for her devotion to her children and family. Her unexpected death was a profound loss to her loved ones and the community.
