Toxic Relationship Ends in Murder on New Year's Eve

New Year’s Eve 2016 in Oklahoma City began with celebration and anticipation, but for three young lives, it ended in tragedy, violence, and an arrest. Initially thought to be a simple robbery, a fight between two men turned deadly, leaving one deceased and the other incarcerated - plus one woman on the run from authorities. This is the story of how a moment of anger spiraled into irrevocable loss.

A Fatal Confrontation

It started as a typical evening in Oklahoma City. Matthew Webster, 20, and 18-year-old Hareth Hameed found themselves at a house on NW 106th Street. Webster was allegedly there to purchase marijuana, but when Hameed arrived, a heated altercation broke out between the two men. Hameed allegedly confronted Webster, pointing a gun at him, demanding property, and then firing multiple shots into Webster’s car.

Webster was gravely injured and driven to a convenience store, where police later found him. Despite being rushed to a hospital, Webster succumbed to his injuries.

The Connection to Victoria Smith

Investigators soon pieced together a backstory that involved Hareth Hameed’s ex-girlfriend, 19-year-old Victoria Smith. Text messages retrieved from Hameed’s phone revealed a troubling dynamic. As reported by Oklahoma’s News 4, after the shooting Smith allegedly encouraged Hameed with messages like, “I hope you hit him,” a chilling indication of her role in condoning the violence.

Following the shooting, Smith reportedly advised Hameed to take measures to evade law enforcement, including switching out his car’s license plate and driving until he could find a paper tag. This post-crime involvement led authorities to issue an arrest warrant for Smith, accusing her of being an accessory to the felony.

Hameed’s Arrest and Charges

Hameed was arrested just days after the shooting and charged with first-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon. Evidence from his phone tied him to the scene and implicated Smith as a co-conspirator. Hameed admitted that the altercation with Webster stemmed from his own prior romantic relationship with Smith, as reported by Fox 25 News, highlighting the volatile nature of their relationship.

Lives Forever Altered

For Webster’s family, the new year brought unthinkable grief. For Hameed, it brought a future behind bars, and for Smith, it launched a manhunt that would embroil her in one of Oklahoma City’s most notorious New Year’s Eve tragedies.

While it is unclear whether Smith was ever found and forced to face justice for her alleged involvement in the death of Matthew Webster, this incident serves as a grim reminder of how impulsive actions and unresolved emotions can culminate in irreversible consequences.

References: Police: Woman Wanted in Connection to New Year’s Eve Murder | OKC Police Looking for Woman Wanted for Accessory to a Felony | Woman Wanted for Questioning in December Homicide in Oklahoma City