What started as a night of reconnecting with an old flame ended in violence when a Florida woman shot her ex-boyfriend’s new love interest in the head.
The incident took place on Saturday night in Jacksonville at the intersection of McDuff Avenue and Post Street. Deputies arrived to find a female victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. A single .380 caliber shell casing was recovered at the scene, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the suspect as 38-year-old Latorray Collins, who was found with a handgun in her waistband. Witnesses pointed to Collins as the shooter, leading to her immediate arrest.
The victim’s male companion, Collins’ ex-boyfriend, informed investigators that he had recently ended their relationship. On Saturday, Collins messaged him, offering to return his belongings. He declined, asking her to dispose of them instead.
Later that evening, he planned a night out with the victim, whom he had previously dated, along with her family members. The group met at a liquor store before heading out. While leaving, Collins repeatedly called him, attempting to reach him.
Also Read: Tennessee Serial Killer Sentenced to 261 Years After Killing Pregnant Ex and Three Others
At a stoplight, Collins suddenly appeared, blocking his vehicle. The man managed to drive around her and continue on his way, but she persistently followed him. At another traffic stop, Collins exited her car and aggressively knocked on his window.
While the man urged Collins to leave, the victim and her family members intervened. A heated argument ensued between Collins and the victim. Fearing things might turn violent, the man stepped out of his car to de-escalate the situation.
Without warning, Collins allegedly pulled out a gun and fired a shot, striking the victim in the head. Emergency responders rushed the unresponsive woman to the hospital, but her condition remains undisclosed.
Following her arrest, Collins gave her version of events. She told officers she was knocking on her ex’s window because she wanted marijuana. She claimed an argument erupted, during which someone threw alcohol at her.
Collins stated that she pulled out her gun with the intention of firing into the air to scare the group away. She alleged the firearm discharged accidentally and insisted she did not mean to shoot the victim.
Authorities, however, charged Collins with second-degree attempted murder. She is being held at the Duval County Jail on a $250,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on March 11.
More: Woman and Two Others Killed in Florida Shooting, Daughter Abducted by Estranged Husband
