Names released by sheriff’s office

SOUTH POINT— The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate a domestic violence situation that left one man dead.

At about 3:35 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, the sheriff’s office responded to a call of shots fired at 107 County Road 407, and found that Chester Collins, 52, of 107 County Road 407, had been shot while in his pickup truck on the roadway.

Chester’s wife, Amy Collins, 50, of the same address, claims that her husband had been in a domestic violence situation and that he had been threatening her life and assaulting her throughout the day. She managed to sneak outside the residence at one point and call her daughter, who resides in Willow Wood, and express her need for help. Amy’s daughter’s boyfriend, Robert A. Miller, 29, of State Route 378, Willow Wood, and his father, Gary G. Miller, 52, of State Route 775, Willow Wood, arrived, which infuriated Chester. Chester again threatened Amy’s life with a handgun and then he ordered her to leave the residence and get into the couple’s pickup truck.

As Chester and Amy pulled onto County Road 407, Robert and Gary confronted them and Gary attempted to get Amy out of the vehicle. Chester refused to allow her to get out, so Robert brandished a rifle and demanded that Chester let her go. Chester again refused and began to assault Amy, at which point Robert fired several shots through the windshield, many of which struck Chester in the torso and head. At the time of the shooting, Chester was the driver, Amy was the passenger, Gary was trying to get Amy out of the vehicle and Robert fired his weapon.

Lawrence County EMS arrived at the scene, but were unable to revive Chester, who was later pronounced dead by Coroner Dr. Kurt Hoffman’s office.

The investigation into this incident continues. No arrests have been made at this time, but once the investigation is complete, it will be presented to Prosecuting Attorney Brigham Anderson for his review and decision on any charges. Prosecutor Anderson has indicated that this case will be presented to the Grand Jury once completed.