A late-night confrontation on Malvin Drive in Austell, Georgia ended with the death of 31-year-old Eric Lee Collins on February 19, 2015. Collins reportedly tried to enter a residence after being told not to, and a struggle occurred inside between Collins and the homeowner’s son, who was armed with a shotgun. During the altercation the shotgun discharged; Collins was struck in the chest and died of his injuries. Cobb County police described the shooting as an apparent homicide but stated they did not expect to file charges at that time, saying the fatal shot occurred during the struggle over the firearm.

Collins was born August 4, 1983, in Douglasville and worked in cell phone tower maintenance. His funeral service was held March 2, 2015, and he was buried at Sunrise Memorial Gardens in Lithia Springs. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to come forward.