Jack Wayne Reeves was born on June 20, 1940, in Wichita Falls, Texas. He grew up in a typical American family. Not much is known about his early childhood or family background. After completing high school, he enlisted in the United States Army. Over the years, he worked his way up the ranks and eventually retired as a master sergeant in 1985.

At the age of 18, Reeves married for the first time. His first wife was only 15 years old at the time of their marriage. This marriage was short-lived and was annulled in 1960. After this annulment, Reeves continued his life in the military.

In 1967, while Jack Wayne Reeves was stationed in Italy with his first wife, he committed his first known crime. He killed a man and received a four-month prison sentence for manslaughter. After serving his time, he and his first wife moved back to the United States.

Reeves was married to his second wife, Sharon Vaughn, for 18 years. They had two sons together while living in Italy. In February 1978, Sharon filed for divorce while Reeves was stationed in South Korea. A week after their divorce on July 20, 1978, Sharon died from a shotgun wound. Initially, her death was ruled a suicide, but a re-examination in 1994 found evidence suggesting it was murder.

In December 1980, Reeves married Myeong-Hi Chong in South Korea. She tragically drowned in Lake Whitney in Texas in 1986. Her family suspected foul play due to bruises found on her body, which led to an autopsy request. Reeves had her cremated shortly thereafter.

Reeves met his fourth wife, Emilita Villa, through a mail-order bride service. She was only 18 years old, and there was a significant age difference between them. When Emilita became pregnant, Reeves sent her back to her family, doubting he was the father. However, after seeing a picture of their son, he allowed her to return. Emilita vanished on October 11, 1994, shortly after expressing intentions to leave him. In October 1995, a hunter discovered her remains in a shallow grave near Lake Whitney.

After Emilita's friend reported her missing, detectives scrutinized Reeves due to the deaths of his previous wives. Both women had reportedly complained about Reeves and expressed plans to leave him before their deaths. On March 21, 1995, he was arrested for the murder of Sharon Vaughn. His bail was set at $500,000.

In January 1996, a court convicted Reeves for Sharon's murder, sentencing him to 35 years in prison. Later that year, he was also found guilty of murdering Emilita and received an additional 99-year sentence. His appeals were denied, and he is currently serving both sentences concurrently. He will be eligible for parole in 2026.