The Don Collins Murder: A Case of Injustice and Unresolved Tragedy
Introduction
The Don Collins murder is a highly publicized and still-unsolved case that has been the subject of much speculation and controversy over the years. On September 13, 1980, 33-year-old Don Collins was found dead in his condominium in Sacramento, California, with signs of a brutal struggle and murder. Despite an extensive investigation and multiple suspects, the case remains a mystery to this day, leaving the family and loved ones of Don Collins without justice.
The Events of the Night
According to witnesses and investigators, Don Collins was last seen leaving a bar with several people, including a woman who would later become a suspect in the case. It is believed that Collins may have left the bar alone or with one or more of these individuals, although the exact details of the events leading up to the murder are still unclear.
The Investigation
The Sacramento Police Department launched an investigation into the murder of Don Collins, conducting extensive interviews, gathering physical evidence, and following up on numerous leads. The police focused on several individuals, including:
• Tami Erwin: A friend of Collins who was reportedly involved in a romantic relationship with him.
• Glen Edward Hardaway: A suspect who was said to have had a violent history and had been in a dispute with Collins in the past.
• Timothy Riddle: A man who had a prior criminal record and had been seen with Collins at the bar earlier that night.
The Evidence
Despite the efforts of investigators, no conclusive evidence linking any of these suspects to the crime was found. Several pieces of physical evidence, including hair samples, fibers, and fingerprints, were collected from the crime scene, but they were not sufficient to make an arrest.
The Case File
The case file on the Don Collins murder includes a detailed summary of the events of the night, witness statements, physical evidence, and suspect interviews. Some notable points from the file include:
| Evidence | Description |
|---|---|
| 12 strands of hair found on Collins’ clothing | No matches found in national databases |
| A suspicious white Pontiac Firebird seen near the crime scene | Never found or linked to a suspect |
| A security camera caught a grainy image of a person of interest | Identification not possible |
The Impact on the Family
The murder of Don Collins has had a profound impact on his family and loved ones. His mother, Shirley Collins, has spoken publicly about the pain and trauma caused by the case, stating that the lack of closure and justice has left her feeling helpless.
The Investigation Reopens
In 2010, the Sacramento Police Department reopened the case, following a renewed investigation and DNA testing on evidence. Despite these efforts, no new leads or suspects have emerged, leaving the case as it was: a tragic and unresolved mystery.
Conclusion
The Don Collins murder is a heart-wrenching and complex case that has left a community in Sacramento, California, without answers. The investigation has been ongoing for decades, with numerous suspects and leads explored, but to date, no one has been brought to justice for the murder. The family and loved ones of Don Collins continue to seek answers and closure, hoping that one day, the truth will come to light.
