Husband Murders Wife And Her Bestfriend After Learning About Wife's Secret

Summary

In August 2015, a tragic event unfolded in Mirabella, Florida, when James Collie Jr., in a fit of rage and jealousy, murdered his estranged wife Amanda and her friend Lindy Dobbins. The incident began with James discovering evidence of Amanda's new relationship, leading to a series of violent acts, including breaking into her home and eventually shooting her and Lindy multiple times. Despite a defense claim of sleepwalking, James was found guilty and sentenced to death, leaving behind a community in shock and two families devastated by the senseless violence.

Takeaways

• 🏡 The incident took place in Amanda Colie's upscale house in Mirabella, St. Augustine, Florida, a community known for its resort-style living.
• 👫 Amanda had invited her friends Rachel Hendrick and Lindy Dobbins over to her house to comfort her following the breakdown of her marriage.
• 🔍 The house was found in disarray, with no items stolen but many things rifled through, suggesting a search for evidence.
• 🔫 James Collie Jr., Amanda's estranged husband, was the attacker, shooting into the house with the intent to kill, specifically targeting Lamar Duberly, Amanda's new boyfriend.
• ☎️ A 911 call was made by Rachel Hendrick while she and Lindy Dobbins were hiding in a closet, with James actively trying to gain entry.
• 🚨 James fled the scene after the shootings, leading to a manhunt that ended with his arrest in Norton, Virginia.
• 🚔 James was charged with multiple crimes including first-degree murder, attempted murder, burglary, and aggravated stalking.
• 🏢 James had a history of domestic violence and was in court for a violation on the morning of the murders, appearing calm before the violent outburst.
• 🔮 The defense attempted to argue that James was not in a sound state during the attack, but this was contradicted by his behavior in court earlier that day.
• ⚖️ The jury found James guilty on all counts and recommended the death penalty, which was upheld on appeal, leaving him on death row.

Q & A

What was the initial reason for Rachel Hendrick, Lindy Dobbins, and Amanda Collie to gather at Amanda's house?

Rachel Hendrick, Lindy Dobbins, and Amanda Collie gathered at Amanda's house to comfort her regarding the breakdown of her marriage.

What was the condition of Amanda's house when she returned home on the morning of August 27, 2015?

Amanda's house had been trashed overnight with nothing stolen but belongings rifled through and torn apart, suggesting a search for evidence.

Who was Lamar Duberly and what was his relationship to Amanda Collie?

Lamar Duberly was Amanda Collie's boyfriend. They met while working in corporate management at Fanatics and started seeing each other after Amanda's separation from her husband.

What was the sequence of events that led to James Collie Jr. attacking Amanda's house?

James Collie Jr. broke into Amanda's house looking for evidence of her seeing someone new, ransacked the house, and then texted her with threats before heading to her house with firearms, ultimately attacking the occupants.

How did Rachel Hendrick escape the attack at Amanda's house?

Rachel Hendrick was shot in the arm but managed to escape by running out of the house and seeking help at a mutual friend's home.

What was the outcome of the 911 call made by Rachel Hendrick during the attack?

The 911 call made by Rachel Hendrick alerted the police to the ongoing attack, but by the time they arrived, James Collie Jr. had fled the scene.

What were the charges against James Collie Jr. following his arrest?

James Collie Jr. was charged with first-degree murder of Amanda Collie and Lindy Dobbins, attempted first-degree murder of Rachel Hendrick and Lamar Duberly, burglary with an assault or battery, burglary of a dwelling, and aggravated stalking after an injunction.

What was the defense's argument during James Collie Jr.'s trial?

The defense argued that the attack was not premeditated and that James was in an aggravated emotional state, possibly influenced by drugs, alcohol, or sleepwalking (parasomnia).

What was the jury's verdict and recommendation for James Collie Jr.?

The jury found James Collie Jr. guilty on all counts and unanimously recommended the death penalty, citing four aggravating factors beyond reasonable doubt.

What was the final outcome for James Collie Jr. as of the script's knowledge cutoff date?

As of the script's knowledge cutoff date, James Collie Jr. was sentenced to death, his appeal was upheld in 2020, and he remained on death row.