Pierre Collins, the father of deceased Crystal fourth-grader Barway Collins, was charged Tuesday with second-degreee murder in his son's death.

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman says Pierre Collins acted alone in the crime.

"We don't know the motive, although we have some suspicion," Freeman said.

Freeman says investigators have proof Pierre Collins was at the scene of the crime through electronic phone signals. According to the criminal complaint, 10–year old Barway Collins was duct taped and bound by his chest and legs, before the boy's body was dumped down a storm drain. Investigators say it's unclear precisely how the boy died because his body had been in the water for 24 days.

Suspect told wife he was leaving for "work"

Officials say on March 18, Pierre Collins told his wife he was leaving for work that morning, when in fact, he didn't have a job. Instead he was at a child support hearing for children he had through a previous relationship. The complaint also says electronic phone transmissions put Pierre Collins at the Mississippi River near that morning, and then again later that evening when Barway disappeared.

According to the criminal complaint, surveillance video also shows Pierre's Volkswagen Jetta parked by the Cedarwood apartment complex in a spot the suspect didn't regularly use. Video also shows the defendant traveling on County Road 81.

Father had two life insurance policies for his son

The complaint also states Pierre Collins had two life insurance policies on Barway. One of the policies was for $30,000. Two days before Barway disappeared, Pierre made a phone call to Globe Insurance and asked for that policy to be increased to $50,000. The second policy is from a different company and covers the defendant for $100,000 and each of his dependents, including Barway, for $20,000 each.

Authorities say they plan to make sure there is justice for Barway.

"Although we are pleased that Pierre is being charged in this matter, we cannot forget the tragic manner of how Barway spent his last few hours," said Crystal Police Chief Stephanie Revering said.

When asked about the emotional affect the case has had on the Crystal Police Department and its staff of 31, Revering said this investigation has been "difficult."

The Hennepin County Attorney says there is enough evidence to up the charges to first-degree murder. That would come through a grand jury indictment. Meanwhile, Pierre is being held on $2 million bond. He's scheduled to make his first court appearance on Wednesday afternoon.

Sonya Goins & 12 News Staff
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Channel 12 is on Comcast cable in the northwest suburbs of Minneapolis and includes the cities Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Golden Valley, Maple Grove, New Hope, Osseo, Plymouth and Robbinsdale.

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