Sydni McMillan Collins, a 46-year-old Black female, and her husband, Aaron 'AC' Collins, were tragically killed on the night of July 27, 2017, in Columbia, South Carolina. The couple, known for their love of motorcycles, were shot while riding along Parklane Road. Both sustained fatal gunshot wounds to the upper body and were pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The incident, which shocked the local community, was later determined to be the result of a dispute between rival motorcycle clubs.
The investigation into the double homicide led authorities to Ricardo Laroy Middleton, a member of a different motorcycle club. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that the shooting stemmed from an altercation that had occurred a week prior at a bike club event. On the night of the murders, Middleton followed the Collinses and another individual, Ricky Montgomery. After a confrontation, Middleton attacked Montgomery and then opened fire on Sydni and Aaron Collins.
In August 2017, Ricardo Middleton was arrested and charged with two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. Following a trial, a jury found Middleton guilty of the murder of Sydni McMillan Collins. However, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the murder charge for Aaron Collins and acquitted Middleton of the attempted murder of Montgomery. For the murder of Sydni Collins, Ricardo Middleton was sentenced to life in prison.
