Family, friends remember man brutally murdered with hammer

Jim Collins family asking for justice 3 years after murder of father

SAN ANTONIO – Family members and friends gathered Wednesday outside the trailer where Jerry Collins, 68, was found brutally murder three years ago.

Jim Collins, Jerry Collins' son, said they are gathering to honor his father and to call on the public to help bring the killer to justice.

"This is not a murder of passion or burglary," Jim Collins said. "This is someone who murdered him for personal gain."

Jerry Collins was found dead on Jan. 28, 2012, inside his trailer home behind his business, Rittiman Hardware.

Police said his throat was slashed and he had been beaten in the head with a hammer.

In late August 2013, Ruth Ann Comer, who was dating Collins at the time of his death, was arrested after police said she might have been connected with the murder.

Comer has since been released.

The family says the case is now being handled by the district attorney's office, and they're hoping for justice soon for Jerry Collins.

"We know there's someone out there of interest that was involved or has some involvement, whether it be family members or whatever," Jim Collins said. "We'd like for them to step forward."

Family members said they are willing to increase the reward from the initial $40,000 that they contributed to Crime Stoppers if someone comes forward with information.

If you know anything about the case, you are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 224-STOP.


About the Author

Stephanie Serna is a weekday anchor on Good Morning San Antonio and GMSA at 9 a.m. She joined the KSAT 12 News team in November 2009 as a general assignments reporter.

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