Abbaney Matts was 20 when she was fatally shot on February 3, 2020, inside the Pride Rock Residence Hall at Texas A&M University–Commerce. Her 19-year-old sister, Deja Matts, was also killed in the same attack; Abbaney’s 2-year-old son, Allen, was shot in the leg and survived. The sisters had been visiting the dormitory when the shooter gained access and carried out the attack, prompting a campus lockdown and traumatizing the university community.

Authorities identified the suspect as 21-year-old Jacques Dshawn Smith, described as Abbaney’s ex-boyfriend. The family has spoken about their grief and the bright futures the sisters had ahead of them.

Anyone with information about the shootings or who knew Abbaney or Deja is asked to come forward.