In a tragic turn of events stemming from a domestic dispute, 40-year-old Michael Temple of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, was killed on April 22, 2012, in Chesapeake, Virginia. The incident unfolded in the early morning hours when police responded to reports of a shooting. The situation quickly escalated into a hostage crisis that would leave two men dead and the gunman wounded.
The perpetrator was identified as 44-year-old Charles Collins of Pollocksville, North Carolina.
Prosecutors stated that the motive for the attack was related to Collins' ex-girlfriend. Michael Temple was the ex-girlfriend's current boyfriend. During the violent encounter, Collins fatally shot Temple inside the Chesapeake home. Also killed was 19-year-old Derwin 'DJ' Watts II of Chesapeake, the son of Collins' ex-girlfriend. Reports indicate that the younger man was trying to protect his mother when he was shot. He managed to escape the house but later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
Following unsuccessful negotiations with Collins, a police SWAT team entered the residence. They found Collins holding two people hostage. During the ensuing confrontation, an officer shot Collins once in the head. He was subsequently transported to a hospital to be treated for his injuries.
Charles Collins was later charged with two counts of first-degree murder and five counts of abduction, along with several weapons charges. In a move to avoid a potential death penalty, Collins pleaded guilty to the charges. He faced two potential life sentences for the murders of Michael Temple and Derwin Watts.
