By JIM WASHINGTON
The Virginian-Pilot
PORTSMOUTH — This week, veteran sheriff’s Deputy Jimmy Collins found himself facing a familiar situation from a different perspective.
On Monday, the off-duty deputy was involved in the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old during an attempted carjacking, police said.
Four years ago Collins watched his son, a former sheriff’s deputy, tried and convicted for shooting a woman while off duty.
Travis W. Collins is serving an 11-year prison sentence for malicious wounding and weapons charges at Brunswick Correctional Center in Lawrenceville.
The father’s case
According to a preliminary police investigation, Jimmy Collins, 57, was returning to his car Monday in the parking lot of the Dollar Tree store in the Victory Crossing shopping center on Victory Boulevard just after 8 p.m.
Eric Corbett, 15, confronted Collins and produced a weapon, police said. During the confrontation Corbett was shot and killed.
Collins was not injured and has been placed on administrative leave with pay, according to procedure.
Collins, a longtime courthouse bailiff and 27-year department veteran, was on medical leave following knee surgery at the time of Monday’s incident.
The son’s case
According to court records, Travis Collins, who was 27 at the time, pleaded guilty to aggravated malicious wounding and use of a firearm. Abduction and other weapons charges were dropped as part of a plea agreement.
He was accused of shooting Joyce Mizelle shortly before 3:30 a.m. Oct. 27, 2001. She was found bleeding in the street in the 2900 block of Arcadia Ave. Mizelle survived the shooting but suffered memory and eyesight problems.
Collins used his department-issued gun in the crime and tried to return it to the Sheriff’s Office after the shooting, saying the weapon was malfunctioning, according to the documents.
In confirming the family relationship between the two men, sheriff’s department spokeswoman Amber Whittaker said “this has absolutely no bearing on the current case.”
Jimmy Collins worked as a bailiff in the courtroom of Judge Archie Elliott Jr. for over 25 years.
“Jimmy is an outstanding deputy,” Elliott said Thursday. “He always held back and was never aggressive. Whatever he did, I’m sure he did out of fear.”
According to an obituary, Eric Corbett lived in the 4000 block of Starboard Road in Chesapeake, attended Norfolk public schools and was a member of the choir at Mount Calvary Baptist Church.
Dwight Belfield, Corbett’s cousin, said Corbett had discipline problems but hadn’t been in any serious trouble that he knew of.
“He stayed in trouble at school, getting in fights,” Belfield said. “He liked to play ball.”
He said the family is waiting to hear more about what happened Monday night.
“I haven’t heard anything,” he said. “I’ll be glad when they do tell us something.”
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In response to Rena Randall
As for shooting him in the legs, police officers are taught to shoot at center of mass. Under stress it may be extremely difficult to shoot at the head and more so at the legs. Hitting center of mass is more effective than missing the legs or head. Shooting someone in the legs doesn't end the threat either. If someone points a gun at me, I'm going to shoot them, center of mass, at the first opportunity I have and stop shooting when the threat is eliminated. When someone points a firearm at you, the only logical conclusion is that they intend to kill you. Who's life is worth more at that point? Eric Corbett's life was worthless the moment he pointed his gun at the deputy. I hope the deputy doesn't feel the least bit of guilt. The good news for law abiding citizens of Hampton Roads is that Eric Corbett won't ever point a gun at anyone ever again.
Defense
What on earth is a 15 yr old doing with a gun in the first place?! I myself was a victim of an armed robbery and if I had a gun (or any weapon) at the moment I would have used it in my defense! There is no time for thought as to where you are going to shoot someone when you are a victim. Get real people! Sorry Eric's life had to end that way, but he chose the path he wanted to take.
Eric Corbet Story
I feel sorry for Eric because I donot believe the story took place as the paper states. Unless you are God, Eric or the Deputy who was the only witnessess at the scene, just remeber this YOU DON"T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED!!! You should be ashamed of yourself for agreeing with that triggere happy deputy. It is common sense that his life was not in danger, he shot the poor kid in the back when he could have just shot him in both legs but I guess he needs some more training. Just remember the devil seeks to kill steal and destroy so it could have happened to your fifteen year old or someone even younger so don't be so quick to comment on a subject unless you were there.
read just these
All you have to read is these three comments and they say it all, Jamie Gumm, Reginald W, and Skip Blanchard.
Enough said!! I applaud Deputy Collins for defending himself!!
Poor taste on Pilot's part
I am so tired of hearing about these "good kids" who tragically lose their lives while commiting a crime.
From what I have read other places and seen on the news this kid had a record already, he was on house arrest and left. I belive that I also read somewhere that it was thought the gun that he had was stolen.
I can not have sympathy for this young man, at 15 you are smart enough to know the difference between right and wrong. It is sad to me that this kid is being described in the media as a good kid with "some problems", what type of "problems" get you a juvenille record and house arrest.
I do have sympathy for the officer who now has to deal with this for the rest of his life and I have sympathy for anyone in this child's family who tried to set him down the right path but could not get him to follow.
Let's just be thankful that it was not an innocent person who was shot. Society needs to grow a backbone and start mak
Disgusting Article
One more reason why I am glad that I read this paper online and don't pay a dime for it. That was the most ridiculous article I've read in years. Why are these two completely different stories being compared? Jim Washington, you should be ashamed for writing this article. Deputy Collins is a hero and probably facing a tough time right now and he has to read this. I hope the Pilot's advertiser's read this...for the next few months I will personally avoid any company or firm that advertises on the same page that this journalist has an article on.
Maybe it's just odd
I'm not sure what the point of this story is, but I do know liberals and this paper ain't no liberal. The Pilot is about as liberal as most conservatives are compassionate. The Pilot, like most newspapers, generally reflects the views of its readership - in this case a bunch of geezers who swing moderate to conservative. A Virginina liberal ain't possible. We are all imports who are counting the days until we're exports. Kilgore for governor? Allen for Senator? Drake for anything? A marriage amendment? Two-lane highways? Portable classrooms? What century is this state in exactly?
I agree w/ lack of sense.
The two stories have nothing too do with one another. This is not bias, it is bad journalism. JW should be relegated to typing ads; he is surely no pro. As for the attacks on liberals, please do not link us to the Pilot. The Pilot takes whatever view sells papers and there is nothing more republican than that. As a liberal, I say throw dirt on the kid and wrap it up. Good riddance.
Just wondering
I agree. What in RFK's name is wrong with my liberal friends at the Pilot? First you endorse Drake and then you continue to allow right wing nuts - who claim they are proud they don't read your newspaper - post on your website. What are you guys? Compassionate? Tolerant? Inclusive? Balanced? The wingnuts only believe in printing one point of view - theirs. They don't need no stinkin' balance. When are you guys going to wise up? If you are so darn liberal and evil - like me - why do I have to keep reading what ill-informed, bible-school educated fruit cups think about anything? Treat wingnuts like they treat everyone else - with contempt.
What in the Sam Hill is wrong with the Liberal idiots at the Pilot for coming up with a story like this??
One event had nothing to do with the other!
The kid is a criminal, end of story. He pulled a gun on the wrong guy and got what he deserved!
Stop trying to crucify every deputy and officer you can, and tell the truth for once. Makes me proud I'm not a subscriber to this sorry paper.
Poor Eric!!!!
I don't blame Deputy Collins for his actions. But I feel sorry for the young boy who died. I know what he did was wrong, but I know the Mr. Collins could have done something else rather than to shoot the kid. I know they are trained in many situations than shoot to kill. If that was me an ordinary citizen with a permit to carry a gun, I'll bet I would be facing five years for weapons charges and I too was in fear of my life.
What is going on?
Where are all of the cries of racism during all of this? That was the first thing I was expecting to hear about this case. Is the Deputy a black man or has everyone finally realized that not every shooting of a black man/child is racially driven?
Another "Good Boy" bites the dust....
I'm thankful it wasn't me that was facing down the barrel of a gun held by some punk living out his rap-song fantasy. He ran into a problem on the way home - a better shot. There is justice after all. Maybe this will send a signal to the punks hanging around Victory Crossing: you never know who is packing!
Deputy Collins did what he had to do
I think Deputy Collins did exactly what the average person would do in a life or death situation. I'm saddened that this young child had to die this way but I think somebody knew he was headed down the wrong path and did not do enough to change his direction. I've seen Deputy Collins at work and in public and have only the highest regard for him and his pleasant and positive demeanor. He is an excellent example of a professional law enforcement officer. He does things by the book. I wish somebody would have done something more for this young man before he had to lose his life. If anyone knows a young person today that may be heading down the wrong road, do something now! It truly does take a village to raise a child. Don't be afraid to help raise a child that you know needs help.
Praise deputy Collins
Poor Eric... he was just a "good kid" in a bad situation. Being 2 miles from home he "just" wanted a ride home. His cousin even stated that Deputy Collins told Eric he could have the car! That's real generousity looking down the barrel of a gun. I'm reminded of one of Suffolk's "fine" citizens that hid his 40 caliber handgun under his mattress. His mom said he was a good and loving boy too. The bottom line is it is very unlikely that this was poor Eric's first thug act (read that felonious act). This was a clear case of carjacking and Eric got exactly what he deserved. My heart feels sorrow only for Deputy Collins having been placed in a life or death situation that resulted in taking any life. He should be honored for removing a predator from our streets.
Sheriff’s Office: Son’s crime doesn’t bear on father
Mr. Washington,
I would like to ask you one question! What is the purpose of your story this morning entitled Sheriff's Office: Son's crime doesn't bear on father. My I say that I am not surprised that the Virginian -Pilot would try to find fault with a law enforcement officer. Why would you try to relate this case with what happened with Deputy Collins and his son four years ago? Your story makes absolutely no sense and I believe you owe Deputy Collins and apology.
Report the facts! You did not mention in your story that Mr. Corbett had a loaded handgun pointed in the face of Deputy Collins when he got shot and that he was not supposed to be out of his house because he was under house arrest. Who is to say that Mr. Corbett was not going to shoot Deputy Collins? I believe Deputy Collins had no choice but to react to the situation the way he did. All Deputy Collins did was to uphold the oath he took 27 years ago when he was sworn in as a Sheriff's Deputy! ( To Protect & Serve )
Come on now...
That's right. Let's make this about what Deputy Collins did wrong or could have done differently. Let's find a way to paint this "innocent child" as a martyr. What a crock. That "child" was committing armed robbery with a gun. I won't say he deserved to die, but he knew what he was doing was wrong and took his life into his own hands. We should be praising Deputy Collins for having the courage to act, not taking the next 6 months to second guess a decision he made in an instant, that, by the way, the dead criminal forced him to make at the point of a gun.
Typical Press
Jim Washington why are you trying to compare these two shootings? Just trying to stir the pot when there is no real relation. I am sure that Mr. Collins had plans to go out and do some shopping that night. Eric Corbett started the chain of events if what has been said is true. Ask these question, Why does a 15 year old have a hand gun?, Where did he get it?, and Was this crime tied to some type of gang initiation? Those are the real questions you should be asking? Sad chain of events for both families involved.
Just Desserts
What can you say, another hood want to be bites the dust. Good riddence, he won't be terrorizing anyone again. I just hope that the deputy is able to handle the stress from this incident. It sounds as though he is a good man, and of course we will hear how the kid was a good kid. Carjacker, good kid? Which one was he that day?