Man convicted of setting his mom on fire

A Baltimore man has been convicted of manslaughter for the killing of his mother by setting himself on fire, embracing her and refusing to let go.

 

On May 5, 2001, at about 11:00 a.m. officers reported to the Collins home in the 3800 block of Cottage Avenue and found Genesis Collins lying in the street suffering from burns to his upper body and head. 

 

Inside the home, officials found Audery Collins, who was also badly burned. 

 

Genesis stated that she was sitting in a chair next to him when he said that he wanted to kill himself because he owed money to drug dealers. He also was upset with her for not giving  him money. 

 

After making the statement, he poured rubbing alcohol on his head and set himself on fire. He then stood up and jumped on his mother, holding her in a hug and refusing to let go. 

 

An unidentified person grabbed Genesis several times to force him to let go. Genesis did eventually let go of his mother. 

 

Audery Collins died four months after the incident from complications associated with the thermal burns she suffered. 

 

Collins was convicted of manslaughter, first degree assault, second degree assault and reckless endangerment.  Sentencing is set for March 26, and Collins faces a maximum of 40 years in prison.