Minnesota-based poker player Jonathan Cyril Collins, a three-time winner of National Deaf Poker Tour events, was killed last month in Las Vegas in connection with a drug deal that turned into a robbery attempt.
According to police reports, Collins and his girlfriend drove from Minnesota to Colorado to buy a large quantity of marijuana. The deal, however, didn't happen so they headed to Las Vegas instead to meet a man Collins knew as "Richard" to buy 10 pounds of marijuana.
The drug deal was a set up and Collins ended up being shot in the chest by one of four men. He was transported to Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, police said.
"At about 2:15 p.m., officers responded to 625 South Royal Crest Circle in Las Vegas for numerous reports that an individual had been shot. Officers arrived and found the victim, who was later identified as Jonathan Collins, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. That individual did succumb to his injuries. We had our LVNPD Homicide Section respond out to the scene. As a result of their investigation, we were able to identify a suspect and arrest Rufus Smith in connection with this crime. He now sits in Clark County Detention Center and faces charges of Kidnapping and Open Murder," said Las Vegas Metro Police spokesman, Larry Hatfield
According to highstakesdb, "Richard", whose real name is Rufus Smith III, was eventually identified and arrested on May 28th on charges of murder, conspiracy and kiddnaping. The actual shooter is still unidentified, though.
Collins had lifetime tournament earnings of $83,757. RIP Jon Collins
source: highstakesdb and ktoe.com
