In a harrowing tale of survival and tragedy, Chris Smith recounts the events of a first date that turned deadly, leaving him alive but forever changed and his date, Leslie Reeves, tragically murdered. On November 24, 2021, Smith, a resident of Farmersville, Illinois, decided to ignore his instinct to stay home and went on a date with Reeves, 45. Unbeknownst to them, Reeves’ ex-boyfriend, Bobby Tar, had been stalking her and tracked them down through her phone.
The night began with potential but quickly spiraled into horror. After failing to hear from Smith or Reeves, concerned friends and family prompted a welfare check at Smith’s home. Police arrived to find a bloody scene: Reeves was dead in the living room, while Smith lay barely conscious in the kitchen, wounded for over 12 hours. He had suffered a gunshot wound to the head, a horrific outcome of Tar’s violent obsession.
As authorities investigated the crime scene, they found evidence suggesting that this was not a random attack but a targeted act of violence. Tar, who was out on parole at the time, became the prime suspect. His daughter provided crucial testimony, revealing Tar’s suspicious behavior around the time of the shooting and mentioning a gun that he owned. With this information, police arrested Tar, charging him with one count of murder and one count of attempted murder.
During the investigation, detectives uncovered further evidence linking Tar to the crime, including the murder weapon, which was discovered on his property, and incriminating searches on his phone about evading police detection. After a swift trial, the jury found Tar guilty, sentencing him to 85 years in prison, with no chance of parole until he is 128 years old.
However, the story did not end there. A year after the shooting, Tar was indicted on additional charges related to solicitation for murder, as he allegedly attempted to hire someone to kill Smith and a lead investigator on his case. While these charges were later dismissed, they underscored the extent of Tar’s dangerous behavior.
Chris Smith, now a survivor with a mission, has turned his trauma into advocacy. He has authored a book titled “My Fatal First Date,” chronicling his experience and recovery process. Following the shooting, he faced significant physical challenges, including paralysis on his left side due to strokes. Doctors and first responders have deemed his recovery a miracle, as he continues to inspire others through his journey.
Smith emphasizes the importance of listening to one’s instincts, particularly in matters of safety. He hopes to raise awareness about domestic violence and the potential dangers posed by obsessive ex-partners. Leslie Reeves, remembered for her vibrant spirit and dedication to her children and community, left a legacy that Smith hopes to honor by helping others avoid similar tragedies.
In a poignant reminder of the fragility of life, Smith encourages people to cherish their loved ones and perform acts of kindness, embodying the very spirit that Reeves exemplified throughout her life. As he continues to heal and share his story, Smith aims to be a beacon of hope for those affected by violence and a voice for victims of domestic abuse.
