On New Year's Day in 2018, the life of 35-year-old Tarance Smith was tragically cut short in a violent encounter on McKinney Street in Detroit, Michigan. He was a Black/African American male. Smith was at the home of his girlfriend, Theresa Watts, when her estranged husband, Robert Watts, entered the residence and opened fire, fatally shooting both of them. The brutal act unfolded while Theresa's three children were present in the home.
Smith was struck in the face by the gunfire.
The investigation into the double homicide quickly pointed to Robert Watts as the primary suspect. Evidence suggested that the motive stemmed from jealousy and anger following his separation from Theresa. The couple had been married for 12 years but had recently separated due to ongoing issues. It was reported that Robert Watts was upset after being denied a visit with his children on New Year's Eve, which precipitated the deadly confrontation.
Following the incident, Robert Watts was apprehended by authorities and subsequently faced serious charges for his alleged actions. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, a charge that reflects the premeditated nature of the crime, along with two counts of felony firearm. During his arraignment, the prosecution laid out their case, asserting that Robert Watts appeared at his estranged wife's home, demanded to see his children, and upon being refused, he reacted with lethal violence against both Theresa and Tarance. The case then proceeded through the legal system, with the potential for a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted. The devastating event left the families of both Tarance Smith and Theresa Watts to grapple with their immense loss.
