In the late hours of a Thursday evening in Austell, Georgia, a confrontation on Malvin Drive ended in the death of 31-year-old Eric Lee Collins. On February 19, 2015, Collins had attempted to enter a residence after being told not to do so. Inside the home, a struggle ensued between Collins and the homeowner's son, who was armed with a shotgun.
During the physical altercation, as Collins reportedly grabbed for the weapon, the shotgun discharged. He was struck in the chest by the blast and died from his injuries. Cobb County police were called to the scene to investigate the shooting, which they described as an apparent homicide.
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, law enforcement officials stated that they did not expect to file any charges in connection with the shooting death of Eric Lee Collins. The investigation suggested that the fatal shot was fired during the struggle over the firearm. Authorities asked anyone with additional information regarding the incident to come forward. Eric Lee Collins, who was born on August 4, 1983, in Douglasville, Georgia, worked in cell phone tower maintenance. His funeral service was held on March 2, 2015, with burial at Sunrise Memorial Gardens in Lithia Springs.
