Thanksgiving Day Incident
This story originally aired on Nov. 2, 2024. It was updated on May 17, 2025.
On Thanksgiving Day in 2021, Nanette Stuiber observed a chaotic scene from her car in Farmersville, Illinois, as EMTs and sheriff’s deputies converged on a home. Her concern grew as she had not heard from her friend Leslie Reeves, who had gone on a first date with Chris Smith the previous evening.
Nanette felt a wave of anxiety as she recalled Leslie’s excitement before the date, believing it could lead to something meaningful. As she waited, her worry escalated. After calling 911 for a welfare check, she learned that an ambulance had taken Smith away, but Reeves was unaccounted for.
When a detective finally approached with the dreadful news, the reality hit hard: Leslie had been murdered.
The Crime Scene
Emergency responders had discovered Smith barely conscious and unable to provide information about the shooting. As they rushed him for medical attention, deputies began their investigation at the scene. Josh Easton, a crime scene investigator, carefully documented the disarray he found inside the house.
Upon his arrival, Easton noted that the door’s glass had been shattered and the layout of the kitchen suggested a struggle. Furniture was overturned, and signs of a fight were evident.
The absence of the murder weapon raised suspicions about a possible assailant. In the kitchen, Easton uncovered two 9mm bullet casings—one near Reeves’ body and the other in the kitchen itself. This discovery prompted a thorough analysis of the crime scene, characterized by widespread bloodshed.
The Victims
As investigators worked on the scene, they began gathering information about the victims. Chris Smith was a 48-year-old pool contractor and a familiar figure in Farmersville, known for his kindness and generosity.
Residents remembered Smith fondly, particularly for his contributions to town events, such as donating pumpkins for Halloween activities. Despite his friendly demeanor, Smith’s family had never suspected he could be a target of violence.
In contrast, Leslie Reeves was a divorced mother of two who worked in women’s empowerment. A highly educated woman, she had chosen to focus on teaching Pilates and conducting self-defense courses, helping women in challenging situations. Yet, her friends disclosed that Reeves had her own struggles, particularly with an ex-boyfriend named Bobby Tarr, whom she had recently attempted to cut ties with.
Unraveling Leslie’s History
Reeves’ friends voiced their concerns for her safety, especially regarding Bobby. Reports indicated she had expressed fear over their relationship, ultimately deciding to fully disconnect from him. On the night of her death, Reeves had last communicated with friends, sharing her plans to meet Smith.
After news of Reeves’ murder spread, her friend Amy Steinhauer quickly alerted law enforcement about Tarr, stating that she had a negative impression of him and worried he could be involved.
As the investigation unfolded, detectives began seeking Tarr while working to save Smith’s life in the hospital, where he fought against grave injuries sustained from the shooting.
The Emergency Response
Smith’s family was forced into action once they learned of his condition. Rushed to the hospital, they sought clarity amidst the chaos, desperate for any updates. Surgeons worked tirelessly to remove parts of Smith’s skull that had been damaged, but they faced challenges due to a bullet lodged in his brain.
During this critical period, Smith’s family learned that he had been with Leslie Reeves on the night of the incident. Initial investigation reports cast suspicion on Bobby Tarr, and detectives rapidly sought him out.
Questioning Bobby Tarr
When authorities discovered Bobby, he was eager to comply during questioning. He claimed his relationship with Reeves was intact, despite indicators suggesting the opposite. The detectives pressed him about the events leading to the shooting.
Tarr’s explanations began to unravel as inconsistencies arose, leading the investigators to believe that he had been present at the crime scene. As they delved deeper, they tracked his movements via license plate cameras that confirmed he had filled his car with gas shortly after midnight—the same early hours when the shooting occurred.
Confrontations with detectives prompted Tarr to alter his timeline repeatedly, raising additional suspicions about his potential involvement.
Evidence and Key Discoveries
Facing substantial discrepancies between his statements and the evidence gathered, investigators believed the shooting happened shortly after 1 a.m. during an altercation involving Reeves and Smith. They theorized that Smith had been shot while defending himself and Reeves against an intruder.
As the case progressed, detectives sought to find the murder weapon believed to be in Tarr’s possession. Despite extensive searches and interviews, initial dives into his property yielded no gun. However, weeks later, a Ziploc bag containing a Springfield Hellcat pistol—a weapon linked to the crime—was discovered around his residence.
With the murder weapon in hand, authorities found Reeves’ DNA, which raised pivotal questions about Tarr’s innocence. He claimed the firearm was not his but rather belonged to Reeves.
The Trial of Bobby Tarr
Bobby Tarr’s trial began in April 2024, revealing a complicated narrative driven by jealousy and fear of losing control. Prosecutors presented evidence that suggested Tarr could not bear to see Leslie in a new relationship, prompting him to take drastic actions against both her and Smith.
As the prosecution pieced together the evidence and circumstances surrounding the crime, they painted a vivid image of a man who had resorted to violence to assert his dominance over Leslie’s life.
Despite the defense’s arguments claiming the lack of physical evidence linking Tarr to the crime, the jury deliberated and eventually found him guilty of first-degree murder and attempted murder.
Aftermath and Reflections
After the sentencing, Chris Smith took the stand, detailing the impact of the attack on his life, feeling the profound loss of freedom and stability. Although his encounter with violence left significant scars, both physical and emotional, he began to rebuild his life.
As he discussed his journey of recovery, Smith expressed gratitude for the support from his loved ones and remained hopeful about future improvements in his health.
In the wake of Leslie Reeves’ tragic death, her friends continue to celebrate her life, ensuring her legacy endures beyond the confrontation with violence that robbed her of a future.
Smith’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing the signs of danger in relationships and advocating for one’s safety.
As time progresses, both the friends of Reeves and Smith understand the need to educate others about domestic violence and empower victims to seek help and support.
