Parents of Wes Smith Share Emotional Tribute at Murder Trial

Sentencing for Wes Smith's Killer

• 💔 The parents of Wes Smith, a TCU student killed in Fort Worth's West 7th district, shared emotional impact statements at the trial of his killer.
• ⚖️ Matthew Perie pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to 60 years in prison for the unprovoked shooting of Wes Smith in September 2023.
• ⛓️ With additional felony charges, Perie received a total sentence of 206 years without parole.

Remembering Wes Smith

• 🌟 Wes Smith is remembered by his parents as an outgoing, positive guy who was liked by all.
• 🎓 He was a junior at TCU and would have graduated the previous month, having also volunteered as a football coach.
• 🎗️ A memorial scholarship has been established in Wes's name to support students demonstrating leadership, service, and faith.

West 7th District Safety Improvements

• 🚨 Smith's death brought increased attention to safety concerns in the West 7th district.
• 👮 Fort Worth has implemented several changes to combat crime, including increased off-duty officer patrols and enhanced street lighting.
• 🚧 The city has also introduced an ambassador program and installed bollards to restrict vehicle access during peak hours.