A California repeat killer got life without parole for a brutal 2021 murder—just a year after early release for two prior random slayings. Darryl Lamar Collins, 55, was convicted of first-degree murder in February for asphyxiating Fatima Johnson, a nursing home worker and mom of six, in her South LA home. Her daughters found her July 2: wrists/ankles bound with shoelaces/duct tape, gagged with underwear, tape over mouth/nose. Collins stole her phone, jewelry, and Lexus to pawn for drugs.
His Violent History
- 1995 Crimes: At 24, carjacked and shot Derrick Reese (28) at a payphone, then 11 days later killed diner cashier Thomas Weiss (44) randomly. Sentenced to 50 years.
- Early Release: 2017 CA law raised youthful offender parole age from 23 to 25, freeing him in 2020 after 25 years.
- DA’s Stance: Nathan Hochman blasted it: “This sociopath took three innocent lives… He should never have walked free.” Ensures he’ll never harm again.
Collins’ recidivism spotlights parole reform debates—like California’s Prop 57 expansions, criticized for public safety risks (per studies from the Marshall Project showing higher reoffense rates for some violent youth offenders). Devastating for the families. Thoughts on balancing rehab and public protection?
