A full decade has elapsed since Don Collins was convicted of murder following a distressing deathbed video where the victim identified him and exposed his gruesome motive.
The cruel incident involved Collins’ neighbor, Robbie Middleton, who was celebrating his eighth birthday. However, what should have been a joyful occasion turned into a nightmare as Collins, then 13, tied Middleton to a tree, doused him in petrol, and set him on fire.
Middleton suffered burns across 99% of his body but miraculously held on for over ten years before succumbing to skin cancer caused by the severe burns.
In February 2015, Collins was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Outside the courtroom, Middleton’s mother, Colleen, shared her unsettling observations about her son’s killer, noting his cold and expressionless demeanor.
As we near the 11th anniversary of the verdict, we revisit this deeply unsettling case.
Colleen and Bobby were parents to three children, with Robbie being the youngest. Known for his love of birthdays, Robbie eagerly enjoyed his special day on June 28, 1998, receiving a new tent and planning to spend time with friends and family.
Tragically, on his way home, Robbie encountered Collins, who had allegedly assaulted him weeks earlier. Fearing exposure, Collins, armed with petrol, committed the horrific act of setting Robbie on fire.
Despite his severe injuries, Robbie managed to reach home, where his mother found him in a devastating state. With burns covering most of his body, Robbie underwent numerous surgeries and skin grafts, defying the odds and living for another decade.
Though disfigured, Robbie’s resilience inspired those around him, as he maintained a positive attitude, saying, “The past is, well, the past. You must let it go.”
However, his ongoing struggles included repeated surgeries, learning to walk again, and eventually developing skin cancer due to the burns. Tragically, at the age of 20, Robbie passed away in April 2011.
Before his death, Robbie recorded a video exposing Collins, alleging previous assaults. Collins, who failed to register as a sex offender, faced murder charges after the emergence of the crucial deathbed video.
Collins, known for prior violent acts, received the maximum 40-year prison sentence. Despite pleading not guilty, additional witnesses came forward during the trial, accusing Collins of threats and assaults.
Colleen recalled a haunting image of her son’s body burnt into a tree following the attack. Following the sentencing, she expressed relief and closure, believing Robbie had blamed Collins unequivocally.
Prior to trial, Robbie’s parents were awarded $150 billion in a civil case against Collins, aiming to highlight the injustice suffered by their son. Colleen expressed gratitude for the symbolic award, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Robbie’s innocence and the impact of his tragic ordeal.
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