Update (February 5, 2020): A suspect has been arrested in the fatal shooting of two sisters at Texas A&M University-Commerce. 

Jacques Dshawn Smith was taken into custody on Tuesday and faces charges of capital murder, reports NBC. The 21-year-old is not a student at the university and is believed to be the ex-boyfriend of Abbaney Matts, who was identified as one of the victims. 

Smith was out on bond for an alleged assault that occurred last week. Abbaney filed a report saying Smith assaulted her on January 27 with a frying pan and a lamp. He then allegedly pulled a knife out before leaving the house. She reported injuries to the right side of her head and her eyes and had abrasions after the attack. 

Smith was arrested and an emergency protective order was issued on Abbaney’s behalf. He was freed on January 29 after he posted a $15,000 bond, according to NBCDFW. 

“I think it was a coward move. I mean that someone would do something like that. My daughters were fun, uplifting, they had plenty of friends. Nice folks. Know what I'm saying. They took both my daughters,” Timonthy Matts, the victims’ father, told WFAA.

Abbaney was not enrolled at the university. She was driving her sister, Deja Matts, back to campus after a family event. Because it was so late, she and her 2-year-old son were going to spend one night in the dorm room. 

The toddler was shot in the leg on Monday during the incident but is now in stable condition and with family. 

"They were just up here. My son had a birthday party and they were all up here and went back and all this happened,” said Matts.

Pride Rock, the residence hall in which the fatal shooting occurred, was closed for investigation but reopened late Monday night. All classes and events on campus have been suspended and will resume on Thursday, according to a statement released by the university. 

Staff presence in residential areas and University Police patrol around campus has increased. The school’s counseling center services have been extended. 

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the family, friends and students impacted by today’s tragic event. During this difficult time, we encourage our Lion family – students, faculty, staff and friends – to remain supportive of each other,” a statement from President Mark Rudin read.

Original (February 4, 2020): Two sisters who were killed during a shooting on the campus of Texas A&M University-Commerce (TAMUC) have been identified by police.

Deja Matts, a 19-year-old freshman at the university, and Abbaney Matts, 20, were both killed inside of the Pride Rock residence hall on Monday.

The 2-year-old son of Abbaney was injured during the shooting and is now in the custody of family members, according to CBSDFW

NBCDFW reports that a student called campus police Monday morning to report the shooting. According to a 911 call, a student discovered something had gone through her dorm room wall.

Deja was pursuing a bachelor's degree in public health at the university.

Abbaney was not enrolled at the school. 


Although TAMUC police believe the shooting was targeted and is an isolated incident, officials have not said if they have identified a suspect. 

"This remains an active investigation with multiple law enforcement agencies assisting. We will continue to provide updates as they become available," police said.

University President Mark Rudin released a statement following the shooting. 

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the family, friends and students impacted by today’s tragic event,” Rudin said. “During this difficult time, we encourage our Lion family — students, faculty, staff, and friends — to remain supportive of each other.” 

The residence hall was shut down following the shooting and reopened late Monday night. Classes and campus events have been canceled for Tuesday and Wednesday.