Garrison Collins, 63, of Peoria, Illinois, was found dead in his basement on February 28, 2017. A Navy veteran and active member of St. Paul Baptist Church, Collins participated in the United Voices Choir, Men of Excellence Praise Team, and the Drama Ministry. His death was later determined to be a fatal shooting that occurred during a botched robbery.

Prosecutors say Samantha Gordon, 21, of South Peoria, and Michael Howard, 27, planned to rob Collins. Gordon reportedly went to Collins’ home asking for gas money; Collins gave it to her. Howard then entered, an altercation followed, and Collins was shot. Investigators recovered the weapon and Collins’ wallet hidden in a speaker at Howard’s residence. Both Gordon and Howard were convicted of first-degree murder and armed robbery; Gordon received a 38-year sentence and Howard 47 years. Collins’ brother Steve spoke in court about the family’s loss.

Did anyone in Peoria know Collins well enough to share memories or details that might add context to what happened?