48 Hours Podcast Summary: "It Could Have Been Me: Chris Smith"

Release Date: July 8, 2025

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "It Could Have Been Me: Chris Smith," CBS News' "48 Hours" delves into the harrowing true story of Chris Smith—a survivor of a life-altering shooting that showcases remarkable resilience and the human spirit's capacity to overcome unimaginable trauma.

The Night of the Shooting

Natalie Morales sets the scene by recounting the events of November 24, 2021. Chris Smith was on a first date with Leslie Reeves at his home in Farmersville, Illinois. The evening took a tragic turn when Leslie's ex-boyfriend, Bobby Tarr, forcibly entered Chris's residence and opened fire.

Chris Smith [01:01]: "If I can come back from a deathbed and survive this and defy medical odds and create medical history or rewrite medical history, anybody can come back and achieve anything in life."

Producer Paul La Rosa provides a detailed account of the incident:

Paul La Rosa [02:53]: "Leslie spotted him through the glass side door. She moved a refrigerator, police believe, in front of the door to try to block him. He was able to maneuver the door part of the way open. Chris was crouched down, trying to push the door with his shoulder and his weight, and Bobby Tarr shot him in the head."

Immediate Aftermath and Survival

The attack occurred around 1 a.m., and when Chris and Leslie failed to return for their Thanksgiving plans, concern grew among their families and friends. A 16-year-old girl named Brejon Smith discovered the scene and immediately called 911.

Chris Smith [08:04]: "I was overwhelmed when I saw the kitchen."

Chris Smith [08:07]: "There was just so much blood and it was, it was everywhere. There was not a spot on the kitchen floor that didn't have blood on it."

Thanks to the swift actions of local medics—friends of Chris—and his loyal dog, Tiki, he was transported to DePaul Hospital in St. Louis, defying expectations of survival.

Paul La Rosa [07:54]: "The medic decided that he didn't want to wait for a helicopter to get there. He put Chris in the ambulance with another medic and he drove like a bat out of hell to the hospital."

Medical Miracles and Recovery

Despite severe injuries, including a lodged bullet in his frontal lobe, Chris made an unprecedented recovery. Dr. Victor Williams, who treated Chris, had initially declared that he would never walk again.

Chris Smith [14:20]: "I looked at him, I said, Victor, you just told the wrong person he can't do something because I'm going to do it out of spite to prove you wrong."

Chris's determination led him to walk without assistance, and he continues to undergo innovative treatments like stem cell transplants to restore further function.

Chris Smith [23:13]: "I have been doing... stem cell transplants. They harvest stem cells from either my pelvic bone, right and left side now, and then they shoot them up into my nose, up to the vessel supply in my brain."

Legal Proceedings and Justice

Bobby Tarr was swiftly identified and arrested the day after the shooting. During his trial in April 2024, Chris provided an impactful statement.

Chris Smith [21:16]: "He took my life from me. He affected so many other people. My family, my little girl, my son."

Tarr was convicted on four counts, including first-degree murder and attempted murder, receiving an 85-year sentence. An additional charge related to a solicitation to murder Chris was dropped due to Tarr's extensive sentencing.

Paul La Rosa [22:35]: "The charges were ultimately dropped for various reasons. The biggest reason being that Tar is in jail or prison for 85 years, and it seems to be no point in having another trial."

Life After the Incident

Post-recovery, Chris rebuilt his life with unwavering optimism. He authored a book titled "My Fatal First Date," chronicling his journey of survival and recovery.

Chris Smith [25:06]: "My message is to inspire people, motivate people and show everybody no matter how bleak things look in life, there's always a silver lining."

He also rekindled his passion for music, performing as the lead singer in his rock and roll band, and found love again, becoming engaged to Michelle.

Chris Smith [24:48]: "We met. It'll be two years this June, and we've got a house together. And, yeah, I'm starting over again, you know, starting."

Reflections and Advice

Chris emphasizes the importance of resilience, love, and living life to the fullest. His experiences have instilled in him a profound appreciation for life and a desire to inspire others facing their own battles.

Chris Smith [26:19]: "Life is too precious to ever give up on anything. Love your family, love your kids, love your friends, because you don't know when you last."

Conclusion

Chris Smith's story, as featured in "48 Hours," is a testament to human resilience and the power of determination. Surviving a near-fatal shooting, overcoming severe medical odds, and rebuilding a fulfilling life, Chris embodies the spirit of hope and recovery, inspiring countless individuals facing their own adversities.

For more detailed insights and firsthand accounts, listen to the full episode of "48 Hours" available on various podcast platforms.