In the quiet community of Chester, Arkansas, a dispute over money escalated into a tragic act of violence that claimed the life of 66-year-old Jay Collins. On a Tuesday night in late June of 2025, law enforcement responded to a 911 call at a residence on Lands End Road. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a grim scene. Collins was found deceased, and another man, 70-year-old Donny Shipp, was critically injured from gunshot wounds.
Shipp was transported to a regional medical center, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into the double homicide quickly led to two suspects, Billy Nelson and Eddie Sterling. Authorities believe that the two men had been at Collins's home earlier in the day and had a confrontation with the victims regarding a debt. Later that evening, Nelson and Sterling returned, and an argument ensued. The verbal altercation turned deadly when a gun was introduced. It is alleged that Sterling retrieved the firearm, and Nelson fired multiple shots, striking both Collins and Shipp.
In the wake of the shootings, a coordinated effort by the Crawford County Sheriff's Office, the Alma Police Department, and a drug task force led to the swift apprehension of Nelson and Sterling. Both men, who have prior criminal histories, were taken into custody without incident. They are now facing capital murder charges and are being held without bond at the Crawford County Jail. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to piece together the events that led to the violent deaths of Jay Collins and Donny Shipp.
