Melvin Earl Collins was 31 when he was killed on the night of Friday, April 11, 2003, while working his first shift at an off-duty security job at Friendly Express grocery store, 3915 Darien Highway in Brunswick, Georgia. A newly sworn police officer who had a ceremonial swearing-in scheduled for the following Monday, Collins identified himself as an officer and intervened when two armed men entered the store to commit a robbery. During the ensuing exchange of gunfire he was mortally wounded but managed to return fire, wounding both assailants.

Two off-duty U.S. Marshals in the store helped subdue one suspect, later identified as Donte Hardy, while the other, Daniel Brown, fled into a nearby marsh and was captured the next morning after a multiagency manhunt. Both men were charged with felony murder and aggravated assault, and the Brunswick District Attorney announced an intent to seek the death penalty. In 2003 one of the suspects was convicted of Officer Collins’ murder and given life without parole.

If anyone knew Officer Collins, was at the store that night, or has information about the robbery, please share what you remember.