Arrest In Murders Inside A Texas A&M-Commerce Residence Hall

From the Texas A&M-Commerce website:

A suspect has been arrested on the charge of capital murder in connection with the shootings that occurred on the campus of Texas A&M University-Commerce this week.

The suspect is 21-year-old Jacques Dshawn Smith. Smith is not a student at A&M-Commerce. He is believed to be the ex-boyfriend of Abbaney Matts, one of the deceased individuals.

An arrest warrant was obtained through the use of surveillance and witness tips.

A&M-Commerce University Police Department led the investigation with the help of the Texas Rangers, FBI, DPS, ATF, Mesquite Police Department, Commerce Police Department, Hunt County Sheriff’s Office and Hunt County Homeland Security.

Screen shot from https://new.tamuc.edu/

Update from Texas A&M-Commerce police:

A&M-Commerce University Police Department has confirmed the identities of the two deceased.

The first victim is 19-year-old Deja Matts. Deja was a freshman at A&M-Commerce and was pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. She was from Garland, Texas.

The second victim is 20-year-old Abbaney Matts, sister of Deja. Abbaney was not an enrolled student at A&M-Commerce.

The third victim, two-year-old son of Abbaney Matts, was treated and released to the care of family members.

According to the University Police Department, the shooting appears to be a targeted, isolated event.

This remains an active investigation with multiple law enforcement agencies assisting.

Original story:

Gunfire at a Texas A&M-Commerce residence hall Monday morning resulted in two deaths and one person going to the hospital.

A&M-Commerce has announced all classes, programs, and events are cancelled through Wednesday. This includes all remote locations and online classes.

All student services on the Commerce campus will be provided.

Faculty and staff were directed to report to work as usual.

Professional counselors will be available.

From the Associated Press:

COMMERCE, Texas (AP) _ Officials say two women were killed and a child was wounded in a shooting at a dormitory at a university in Texas. A recommendation for students and employees to shelter in place was lifted early Monday afternoon at Texas A&M University-Commerce, and police said there appeared to be no other threats. Officials have not identified the suspected shooter. University police Chief
Bryan Vaughn said officers responding to a call at about 10:17 a.m. found two dead women at Pride Rock residence hall. He said a boy about 2 years old was taken to a local hospital. He was in stable condition.

Click HERE for additional information from A&M-Commerce.

Original story from the Texas A&M Commerce website home page:

Students, faculty and staff are instructed to take shelter and stay in place until further notice. This is a precautionary measure.

A&M-Commerce UPD is actively investigating three gunshot victims in Pride Rock Residence Hall on the A&M-Commerce campus.

There have been two confirmed deaths.

The third victim has been taken to the hospital for treatment.

UPD has stationed officers throughout the campus, including all key gathering points, for the safety of the campus community.

We will continue to provide updates as they become available.

From the Texas A&M Commerce website home page.

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