In the early morning hours of February 28, 2020, the life of Eric James Smith, a 21-year-old Black male, was tragically cut short in Morgantown, West Virginia. A sophomore at West Virginia University majoring in multidisciplinary studies, Smith was fatally shot at the College Park apartment complex, a university-run housing facility where he had previously resided.
The events that led to his death began with an argument and a physical altercation in the parking lot of the complex.
Smith had arrived at the apartments in a car with two other men, Terrell Linear, 21, and Shaundarius T. Reeder, 20, both of Fairmont, West Virginia. An argument reportedly broke out between the three men concerning money and possessions. Following the dispute in the parking lot, Smith walked away and went into one of the apartment buildings. Linear and Reeder, who were not students at the university, then followed him inside.
What happened next was a brutal act of violence. Linear reportedly pounded on several apartment doors in an attempt to draw attention to what he was about to do. When Smith emerged from an apartment into the hallway, he was shot multiple times. Police were called to the scene around 4 a.m. in response to reports of gunfire and discovered Smith's body.
The investigation quickly led to the identification of Linear and Reeder as the suspects. They were apprehended a short time later without incident at a nearby Walmart. A weapon was recovered at the time of their arrest. The two men faced serious charges for their roles in the death of Eric James Smith. Terrell Linear was charged with first-degree murder, and Shaundarius T. Reeder was charged with conspiracy to commit murder, with some initial reports also stating he was charged with first-degree murder.
The legal process that followed brought some measure of justice for Eric Smith's family. Terrell Linear ultimately pleaded guilty to first-degree murder. Shaundarius Reeder was also convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder by a jury. The motive, as described by the prosecutor, stemmed from the argument that had taken place earlier that morning.
