48 Hours: "Deadly First Date" — Detailed Summary

Episode Title: Deadly First Date
Release Date: July 7, 2025
Host: Erin Moriarty, CBS News
Featured Correspondent: Bobby Tarr

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Deadly First Date," CBS News' award-winning correspondents delve into a tragic and complex case that underscores the volatile intersection of online dating and personal relationships. Host Erin Moriarty guides listeners through the harrowing events that unfolded during what was supposed to be a simple first date, leading to the untimely deaths of two individuals and the subsequent investigation that captivated a community.

The Crime Unfolds

Date and Location:
The afternoon of Thanksgiving Day, 2021, in the small farming community of Farmersville, Illinois.

Victims:

• Leslie Reeves: A divorced mother of two, passionate about teaching Pilates and self-defense classes for women.
• Chris Smith: A 48-year-old divorced father, known for his community involvement and as the lead singer of a local rock band.

The Tragic Event:
Leslie Reeves met Chris Smith online and decided to meet him for a first date the night before Thanksgiving. On the evening of their meeting, the bar they frequented was crowded, and the two appeared to be enjoying each other's company. However, Leslie later expressed unease via text:

"I feel like something's a little bit off or something. I'm not sure what I meant."
— Leslie Reeves [00:48]

The following morning, Leslie never responded to further communications, prompting her friend Nanette Stiber to initiate a welfare check, leading to the discovery of Leslie's lifeless body and Chris being critically injured.

Victims' Background and Community Impact

Chris Smith:
Described by friends and community members as a friendly and generous individual, Chris was beloved for his contributions, such as donating pumpkins for Halloween decorations and nurturing banana trees. His family was devastated by the attack:

"Chris is a stay-home person that literally would just work in his backyard."
— Chris's Sister, Ashley Holcomb [08:30]

Leslie Reeves:
Leslie was dedicated to empowering women through self-defense classes and had faced her own personal struggles, including concerns about a former boyfriend, Robert Tarr, also known as Bobby Tarr.

The Investigation

Initial Response:
Nanette Stiber contacted the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office after Chris was found barely conscious. Crime scene investigator Josh Easton arrived at the scene, noting signs of a violent struggle:

"I noticed the side door of the house. The glass in the door has been broken out. The refrigerator was pulled away from the wall. The kitchen table was pushed. The chairs were knocked over."
— Josh Easton [06:49]

The absence of a weapon suggested a possible third party involvement. Bullet casings and other forensic evidence pointed towards a 9mm gun as the weapon used.

Identifying the Suspect:
Investigators quickly focused on Bobby Tarr, Leslie's former police boyfriend, after Leslie had previously expressed fears about him:

"I could be killed by him someday if I don't cut all contact."
— Leslie Reeves to Amy Steinhauer [10:35]

Authorities discovered Tarr's inconsistent alibis and deceptive behavior:

"You told the police you only left the house once. That wasn't true."
— Erin Moriarty [21:12]

Forensic evidence initially seemed to link Tarr to the crime, including his possession of a Glock pistol and the discovery of the murder weapon in his yard.

The Arrest and Charges

Charges:
Bobby Tarr was indicted on two counts of solicitation of murder based on allegations that he had orchestrated the killings to silence Chris Smith, the sole eyewitness. The prosecution's case hinged on:

• Phone Activity:
  Tarr had searched for Chris Smith's contact information and attempted to mask his phone's location services.

• Inconsistent Statements:
  Tarr provided conflicting accounts of his whereabouts on the night of the crime, which were later contradicted by his daughter Shelby's testimony.

"I like the army green. My daughter knows about it."
— Bobby Tarr about the Glock pistol [16:56]

Despite the evidence, Tarr maintained his innocence, asserting that he was being framed and that Leslie Reeves had owned the murder weapon.

The Trial

Prosecution's Argument:
Prosecutor Andrew Affroni presented a case built on the following points:

• Intent:
  Evidence suggested Tarr followed Leslie to Farmersville with the intent to harm both her and Chris Smith.

• Inconsistencies:
  Tarr's lies regarding his alibi and the absence of physical evidence directly linking him to the crime scene were emphasized.

• Surveillance and Forensics:
  Surveillance footage placed Tarr near the crime scene post-midnight, and forensic analysis found Leslie's DNA on the murder weapon.

Defense's Standpoint:
Tarr's attorney, Dan Fultz, countered by highlighting the lack of concrete evidence:

"There is simply no evidence that that's what happened. There's no evidence that Leslie pushed the refrigerator. There's no fingerprints and blood on the refrigerator of Leslie's."
— Dan Fultz [40:44]

Fultz argued that the physical evidence did not definitively place Tarr at the scene and pointed out that Leslie could not have carried Laurie his gun.

Key Testimonies:

• Aaron Bolton, Firearm Instructor:
  Verified that Leslie did not own or use the Hellcat pistol found at Tarr's residence.

• Chris Smith:
  While in a coma, Chris had no recollection of the events, limiting his ability to provide testimony.

Despite the defense's efforts to create reasonable doubt, the jury found Tarr guilty of first-degree murder and attempted murder after three hours of deliberation.

Sentencing and Aftermath

Sentencing:
In April 2024, Tarr was sentenced to 85 years in prison. During sentencing, Chris Smith and Leslie's friends shared the profound impact of the crime:

"She was a light of a lot of people's lives. She was always smiling. She was a very good mother, lived for her kids, and was an advocate and champion of women, especially women that were abused."
— Leslie Reeves' Friend [43:45]

Chris Smith's Recovery:
Chris battled immense physical and emotional trauma following the attack. Despite significant memory gaps, he has shown remarkable resilience, engaging in physical therapy and rebuilding his life:

"I've got to do over. Good Lord, give me a do over. Not many people get a second chance in life."
— Chris Smith [44:42]

He remains determined to move forward, finding love and striving to reconnect with his daughter, despite the challenges posed by his injuries.

Conclusion

"Deadly First Date" serves as a poignant exploration of how quickly a promising new relationship can turn tragic. Through meticulous reporting and in-depth analysis, CBS News' "48 Hours" sheds light on the complexities of the case against Bobby Tarr, the loss endured by the victims' families, and the enduring spirit of survival exhibited by Chris Smith. This episode underscores the importance of thorough investigations and the pursuit of justice in the aftermath of senseless violence.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Leslie Reeves:
  "I feel like something's a little bit off or something. I'm not sure what I meant."
  [00:48]

• Josh Easton (Crime Scene Investigator):
  "I noticed the side door of the house. The glass in the door has been broken out. The refrigerator was pulled away from the wall. The kitchen table was pushed. The chairs were knocked over."
  [06:49]

• Bobby Tarr (Accused):
  "You told the police you only left the house once. That wasn't true."
  [21:12]

• Dan Fultz (Defense Attorney):
  "There is simply no evidence that that's what happened. There's no evidence that Leslie pushed the refrigerator. There's no fingerprints and blood on the refrigerator of Leslie's."
  [40:44]

• Leslie Reeves' Friend:
  "She was a light of a lot of people's lives. She was always smiling. She was a very good mother, lived for her kids, and was an advocate and champion of women, especially women that were abused."
  [43:45]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the tragic events surrounding the "Deadly First Date" case, providing listeners with a thorough understanding of the circumstances, investigation, and legal proceedings that followed.