Tirale Reed

Meridian police are continuing to look for the suspect in the shooting death of former Meridian High School and Mississippi State University football player Chris Smith.

Police issued a warrant for the arrest of Tirale Reed, 25, Meridian Police Sgt. Dareall Thompson said Sunday evening.

Monday morning, police said they were still trying to find Reed.

The warrant accuses Reed of murder, felony possession of a firearm and shooting into an occupied dwelling.

Police described Reed as a 5-foot-5, 150-pound black man with tattoos.

“We are asking for the community’s help.” Thompson said. “If they know Mr. Reed’s whereabouts, we are asking them to contact the Meridian Police Department or Crimestoppers. If the family knows Mr. Reed’s whereabouts, we are asking them to contact us, maybe convince him to turn himself in.

“If the family or anyone is hiding Mr. Reed, knowing he is wanted, and are willing to hide him out, then we will charge them, also,” Thompson said.

Reed is considered armed and dangerous.

“The criminal investigation division investigators have been working hard on this case to come up with a suspect,” Thompson said. “Based on the community’s help along with the investigation they were able to come up with Mr. Tirale Reed.”

The motive for murder is still unknown, Thompson said.

Smith was shot and killed around 11 p.m. Friday at Frank Berry Courts apartments on 42nd Avenue. 

Smith was a 2009 graduate of Meridian High School. He was a member of the 2008 MHSAA Class 5A state championship team that went 14-1. One of the state’s top recruits, he committed to Mississippi State in 2008 and played in 10 games during his freshman season in 2009 where he logged playing time in 10 games, including two starts. Smith finished his Bulldog career in 2012, with 109 receptions, 1,180 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

The Crimestoppers line is (855) 485-TIPS.