Bond for Tirale Reed, the suspect in the shooting death of former MHS and MSU football player Chris Smith, has been set at $255,000. 

Reed appeared before Meridian Municipal Court Judge Robbie Jones Thursday afternoon.

Bond was set at $5,000 on the charge of felon possession of a firearm, $50,000 for shooting into an occupied dwelling, and $200,000 on the charge of murder.

Prosecutor Pam Bittick wanted the bond set at $500,000 due to the nature of the shooting.

“This is a very grievous crime, in which on video Mr. Reed confesses to having shot and killed this other person, and as well shot into homes,” Bittick said. “We feel he is a danger to the community and that is an understatement.”

Bittick said according to eyewitnesses at the time of the shooting, Smith’s hands were in the air when Reed pulled a gun and shot him.

 “Witnesses said that Mr. Smith did have a  gun in his waistband but had not drawn it at the time he was shot,” she said. 

Attorney Joseph Denson, who represented Reed at the initial appearance, said self defense was a factor in the shooting. 

Smith was shot and killed at Frank Berry Courts apartments on 42nd Avenue July 15.

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. 

Funeral services for Smith, 26, of Meridian, will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at Agape Storehouse Apostolic Church in Meridian.

Interment will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Meridian.

Public viewing will be Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at E.E. McDonald Community Chapel in Meridian.