In 1998, Don Collins (pictured left), then just 13 years old doused 8
year old Robbie Middleton (pictured right) with gasoline and lit him on
fire. Prosecutors said yesterday Feb. 9th that Collins carried out the
horrific attack, which happened on Robbie's 8th birthday - to stop him
from reporting sexual abuse. Robbie suffered burns over 99% of his body.
Collins wasn't arrested immediately even though Robbie had identified him as his attacker. There wasn't much evidence against him, and especially because of his age. Robbie endured over 150 surgeries before finally succumbing to skin cancer after a life of agony. But before he died in 2011, he told the police that Collins had raped him two weeks before the attack.
Don Collins, now 29, was convicted of murder yesterday Monday. 9th, more than 16 years after the incident. He was charged as an adult for the crime.
Collins wasn't arrested immediately even though Robbie had identified him as his attacker. There wasn't much evidence against him, and especially because of his age. Robbie endured over 150 surgeries before finally succumbing to skin cancer after a life of agony. But before he died in 2011, he told the police that Collins had raped him two weeks before the attack.
Don Collins, now 29, was convicted of murder yesterday Monday. 9th, more than 16 years after the incident. He was charged as an adult for the crime.
Robbie before the attack
The victim’s mother, who testified during the trial, rejoiced following the verdict.
“It’s a long time coming,” Colleen Middleton told KPRC TV. “I’m happy today’s here.”
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