In the autumn of 2016, the life of 36-year-old Bernell Collins Sr. was tragically cut short in a violent encounter within an Uptown New Orleans apartment. Known to his loved ones as 'Buck Bee,' Collins was a father and a graduate of Alcee Fortier Sr. High School. His death on October 1, 2016, would lead to a lengthy legal process culminating in a conviction for the man responsible.
The incident unfolded at the apartment of Kerry Tross, who would later be arrested in connection with
Collins' death. Initially facing a second-degree murder charge, Tross maintained that the shooting was an act of self-defense. The case proceeded to trial, where the complexities of the fatal encounter were examined. Ultimately, the judicial process concluded with Tross being convicted of the lesser charge of manslaughter. Following the conviction, Tross was sentenced to serve 17 years in prison for his role in the death of Bernell Collins Sr.
