cover of episode Post Mortem | Fatal First Date

Post Mortem | Fatal First Date

2024/11/5
logo of podcast 48 Hours

48 Hours

Key Insights

Why did Bobby Tarr want to talk so much during his trial?

Bobby Tarr wanted to talk because he felt he had a story to tell and believed it would exonerate him. He was eager to present his version of events, often reaching out to the producers through texts and video chats from jail.

How did Leslie Reeves try to escape her abusive relationship with Bobby Tarr?

Leslie Reeves tried to escape by physically overpowering Bobby Tarr when he blocked her exit. She used her self-defense skills to grab her car keys and repeatedly hit the alarm button to attract attention from neighbors, eventually forcing him to let her go.

What role did Chris Smith's dog, Tiki, play in his survival?

Tiki, Chris Smith's dog, stayed close to him during the 12 hours he lay injured on the kitchen floor. The dog's presence likely helped keep him warm and provided comfort, potentially contributing to his survival.

Why was the investigation into Bobby Tarr's involvement in the shooting considered problematic?

The investigation was problematic because Bobby Tarr was arrested quickly based on lies, but crucial forensic evidence was not yet available. This early arrest risked letting a potential killer go free if the evidence did not support the charges.

How has Chris Smith's life changed since the shooting?

Chris Smith survived a gunshot to the head but is paralyzed on one side, uses a cane and wheelchair, and has a bullet fragment in his brain that doctors cannot remove. He has lost his home, possessions, and his dog, Tiki, and is now living with his mother.

What was the significance of Bobby Tarr's family testifying against him?

Bobby Tarr's family testifying against him provided crucial evidence that contradicted his alibi. His daughter, Shelby, revealed that he had left the house multiple times on the night of the shooting, directly contradicting his claim of being home all night.

What is Chris Smith's current goal and outlook on life?

Chris Smith is determined to regain as much of his former life as possible, including physical fitness and his musical pursuits. He aims to become a motivational speaker to inspire others with his story of survival and resilience.

Chapters

The tragic events of Leslie Reeves and Chris Smith's first date, which ended with one dead and the other struggling to survive due to a jealous ex-lover, Bobby Tarr.
  • Leslie and Chris were attacked by Leslie's ex-boyfriend, Bobby Tarr, on their first date.
  • Bobby Tarr was charged with murder and attempted murder.

Shownotes Transcript

48 Hours Correspondent Erin Moriarty and Producer Paul La Rosa go behind the scenes of their report on the shooting of Leslie Reeves and Chris Smith, who were attacked while on their first date by Leslie’s jealous ex-lover, Bobby Tarr. Erin and Paul delve into Chris’s journey as a survivor, Leslie’s courageous attempts to escape her relationship from Tarr, and the heroic story of Chris’s dog, Tiki, on the night of the murder.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy) and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info).