SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - A judge sentenced a man for the death of a woman on Christmas Eve in 2024.

The judge gave Robert Collins, of Springfield, a life sentence for the death of Lois Jones, 77. Collins pleaded to a second-degree murder charge.

Officers responded to a report of a deceased woman around 3 p.m. at 2307 N. Park Ave. Officers found Jones inside the home with visible injuries consistent with assault. Investigators also reported smelling natural gas when they entered the home. They said a gas stove had been disconnected and a candle lit. When officers contacted Collins, he told them they should leave the house.

Collins later turned himself in to the police. Investigators say Collins admitted to beating Jones, hitting her in the throat. Investigators say he was attempting to b

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