Kenya M. Collins was a 47-year-old woman from Saginaw, Michigan. A Black female, she was enjoying a Memorial Day weekend gathering at a home in the 1000 block of Cathay Street on the evening of Sunday, May 26, 2024, when her life was brought to a violent end.
The tragedy began when her ex-boyfriend, 63-year-old Willie V. Allen, arrived from his home in Aurora, Illinois, having driven nearly 300 miles.
Prosecutors later stated Allen could not accept that his relationship with Collins had ended. He pulled up to the Saginaw residence around 9:30 p.m. in his SUV, retrieved a gun from the trunk, and fired a shot outside before going into the house. Once inside, he found Collins and shot her in the arm. During the attack, Allen also shot a 51-year-old man in the leg.
Allen then forced the injured Collins out of the home and into his vehicle before fleeing. A 911 call from the residence alerted police, who quickly located Allen’s SUV and initiated a pursuit. The chase came to an end in nearby Buena Vista Township after Allen rammed a Michigan State Police patrol car at Outer Drive and Holland Avenue.
An exchange of gunfire erupted between Allen and the state troopers at the scene. During this confrontation, Allen shot Collins several more times. No officers were struck by the gunfire. After Allen was taken into custody, emergency personnel transported Collins to a local hospital, where she died from her injuries.
Willie V. Allen was arrested and charged for the crimes. During his trial, Saginaw County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Blair N. Stevenson told the court, “Instead of just breaking up with somebody and getting over it, he drove four hours and forever changed the fates of his life, the victim’s, as well her families’ and friends’.”
In January 2025, a Saginaw County jury found Allen guilty of first-degree murder, assault with intent to murder, carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, and five counts of felony firearm.
Following his conviction, Willie V. Allen was sentenced to life imprisonment. With his conviction and sentencing, the case is considered closed.
