Don collins who raped and burned 8 year old boy alter found guilty of murder

In 1998, Don Collins (pictured left), then just 13 years old doused 8 year old Robbie Middleton (pictured right) with gasoline and lit him on fire. Prosecutors said yesterday Feb. 9th that Collins carried out the horrific attack, which happened on Robbie's 8th birthday - to stop him from reporting sexual abuse. Robbie suffered burns over 99% of his body.

Collins wasn't arrested immediately even though Robbie had identified him as his attacker. There wasn't much evidence against him, and especially because of his age. Robbie endured over 150 surgeries before finally succumbing to skin cancer after a life of agony. But before he died in 2011, he told the police that Collins had raped him two weeks before the attack. see more of pics

Don Collins, now 29, was convicted of murder yesterday Monday. 9th, more than 16 years after the incident. He was charged as an adult for the crime.

                                          Robbie before the attack

The victim’s mother, who testified during the trial, rejoiced following the verdict.

“It’s a long time coming,” Colleen Middleton told KPRC TV. “I’m happy today’s here.”