A full decade has passed since the conviction of Don Collins for murder, which was supported by a heart-wrenching deathbed video where the victim identified him and exposed his brutal motive.
The tragic incident involved Collins and his neighbor, Robbie Middleton, during the young boy’s eighth birthday celebration. Instead of joy, the event turned into a nightmare as Collins bound Middleton to a tree, drenched him in petrol, and set him on fire.
Despite suffering burns on 99% of his body, Middleton remarkably clung to life for over a decade before succumbing to skin cancer caused by the severe burns. In 2015, Collins was sentenced to 40 years in prison after being found guilty, with Middleton’s mother recalling her unease towards him even before the crime.
Middleton, the youngest of three children, was known for his enthusiasm for birthdays. On June 28, 1998, he received a new tent and eagerly set off to spend time with friends before returning home to celebrate with his family in Splendora, Texas.
Tragically, on his way back, Middleton encountered Collins, who had allegedly assaulted him previously. Fearing exposure, Collins committed the heinous act of setting Middleton on fire, leading to severe burns that left the young boy unrecognizable.
Despite enduring over 150 surgeries and skin grafts, Middleton’s positive outlook and resilience inspired his family. However, his suffering intensified over time, eventually leading to a diagnosis of skin cancer due to the burns. Middleton passed away in 2011 at the age of 20, leaving behind a video exposing Collins and alleging previous assaults.
Collins, who had a history of violence, was convicted of murder following the emergence of the incriminating video. He received a 40-year sentence and faced additional accusations of sexual assault from other witnesses during the trial.
Middleton’s mother described a haunting outline of her son’s body burned into a tree following the horrific attack. Despite the painful journey, she found closure in the legal proceedings and symbolic compensation received before the trial.
In response to the civil case, Middleton’s parents expressed their satisfaction with the acknowledgment of their son’s innocence, emphasizing the importance of justice and remembrance.