Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services - Division of Correction, Maryland
End of Watch Monday, June 4, 2001
Add to My HeroesGregory Guy Collins
Corrections Officer Greg Collins was shot and killed by a former inmate in retaliation for a perceived grievance after completing his shift at the Eastern Correctional Institution.
Officer Collins finished an overtime shift at midnight began to drive home. He was driving on Indiantown Road in Vienna, approximately two miles north of Route 50, when he was shot one time in the back of the head. His vehicle veered off the road and into a wooded area. When he did not return home, his wife reported him missing. His vehicle was discovered in the woods, still in gear and with its ignition still on, and riddled with four bullet holes.
His murder remained unsolved until 2019 when tips led investigators to a former inmate of the Eastern Correctional Institution. In a recorded conversation, the man confirmed that he killed Officer Collins in retaliation for what was said when he had been incarcerated. On June 7th, 2021, the man was convicted of Officer Collins' murder. In November 2021 the man was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole and admitted that he killed Officer Collins.
Officer Collins was a United States Marine Corps and Maryland National Guard veteran who served three years with the Maryland Division of Correction. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and father.
Bio
- Age 31
- Tour 3 years
- Badge Not available
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender Life without parole plus 25 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 2 ReflectionsWorking as a civilian investigator in my retirement for the Wilmington Police Department I was down at the Eastern Correctional Institution yesterday along with some of my team members regarding a cold case investigation we're looking into. While awaiting to be escorted through the building I saw your picture and read your story on the wall of the building and of course I wanted to visit and leave you a reflection on this site. Your death is a clear reminder that the dangers of our job never fall just within the hours of our shifts and that what we do is in fact a true calling. Always know that your law enforcement family will never forget your sacrifice and service, both military and law enforcement, and may you always rest in peace.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
July 10, 2024
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