Two-time felon, accused in A&M Commerce killings, walked out of jail for as little as $1,500
Jacques Smith was known as a violent man. The criminal justice system in Dallas County had his long record of arrests and pleas stemming from violent acts. His background demonstrated his capacity to hurt others.
But despite yet another arrest — for beating his ex-girlfriend Abbaney Matts — he wasn’t kept behind bars. And earlier this week he allegedly shot and killed her and her sister, Deja Matts, and wounded Abbaney’s 2-year-old son.
So why was Jacques Smith free on a $15,000 bond that likely saw him post as little as $1,500 to walk out of Dallas County jail and, according to the charges against him, drive to his Deja Matts’ dorm room at Texas A&M Commerce University?
Let’s review Smith’s history of crime to the point of his release. And let’s ask how this man was free to commit the murders law enforcement says he committed. We don’t know. We don’t have the answer yet. We need the answer.
Read more: https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/editorials/2020/02/06/two-women-at-texas-am-commerce-might-be-alive-if-their-alleged-killer-wasnt-out-on-bond/