Texas, a complex web of familial ties and revenge led to the brutal murder of a 24-year-old woman, MaryJayne Collins. The incident, which occurred on October 4, 2024, highlights the destructive power of vengeance, particularly when intertwined with domestic abuse and the lives of innocent children.
The Incident
On the morning of October 4, 2024, police responded to a call reporting a shooting at the Teakwood Apartment Complex located at 2401 Repsdorph Road. Upon arrival, they discovered Collins unresponsive at the scene. Initially believed to be the result of a shooting, the investigation later revealed that she had been stabbed. The Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled her death a homicide, shocking the local community.
At the time of the murder, two young children were present in the home, but fortunately, they were physically unharmed. Their presence, however, underscored the tragic reality of violence in domestic settings, where children often become unintended witnesses to horrifying acts.
Background
The investigation quickly turned toward Dawayland Hurst, the estranged half-brother of Michael King, a man previously convicted for the murder of Diajwan Triplett in Texas City. This connection would unravel a disturbing narrative of revenge fueled by grief and betrayal.
Hurst had begun a relationship with Collins, who was not only King’s ex-girlfriend but also the mother of his child. It remains unclear whether Collins was fully aware of Hurst’s connection to King, especially given the tumultuous circumstances surrounding her new partner. However, detectives soon learned that Hurst exhibited abusive behavior towards Collins shortly after they began dating. Friends of Collins reported seeing her with visible injuries, including a bite mark on her face, which she attributed to Hurst.
The Day of the Murder
On the fateful day of the murder, Michael King, who was serving time in prison, managed to make a FaceTime call to Collins using a smuggled phone. Hurst answered the call, and the ensuing conversation turned hostile. Hurst was reportedly taunting King during the call, escalating tensions that would prove fatal. In a shocking moment, Hurst slapped King’s child in the face while Collins desperately pleaded for the child to stay away from him. This chaotic scene marked the last time anyone saw Collins alive.
After the call, it became evident that only Collins, Hurst, and the two children were in the apartment at the time of the murder. Surveillance footage from a Ring camera captured Hurst leaving the apartment shortly before 11 a.m., taking an “evasive path” away from the scene, raising further suspicion among investigators.
Discovery of the Crime
Unbeknownst to Hurst, King’s mother had been monitoring the situation and was aware of her son’s phone call with Collins. Concerned for her well-being, she took to social media, posting a request for someone to check on Collins. Friends, alarmed by the post, promptly called 911, which led to the police discovering Collins’s lifeless body.
The subsequent investigation revealed the grim reality of Collins’s situation. Detectives pieced together evidence, leading them to believe that Hurst had executed a calculated plan to avenge his brother’s death by targeting Collins. The affidavit indicated that Hurst’s motivation stemmed from a desire for revenge against King, using Collins as a pawn in his quest for retribution.
Motive for the Murder
Detectives concluded that Hurst was driven by the need to avenge his half-brother’s death, which had occurred several years prior. This desire for vengeance, combined with the alleged abuse Hurst inflicted upon Collins, created a volatile environment that ultimately led to her tragic murder. The detective’s report emphasized that Hurst befriended Collins only to abuse and ultimately kill her, believing that her death would somehow rectify the pain caused by his brother’s murder.
The Aftermath
Following the murder, Hurst became a prime suspect, and an arrest warrant was issued for him on charges of murder. The police continued their investigation, reaching out to the community for any information that could lead to Hurst’s capture. The case garnered significant media attention, highlighting not only the brutal nature of the crime but also the complexities of domestic abuse and the devastating impact it has on families.
Impact on the Community
The shocking murder of MaryJayne Collins sent ripples through the Seabrook community, raising awareness about the dangers of domestic violence and the often-hidden realities faced by victims. Friends and family of Collins expressed their grief, mourning the loss of a young mother whose life was cut short by an act of senseless violence.
In response to the tragedy, local organizations and advocates have called for greater awareness and resources to support victims of domestic violence. They emphasized the need for more robust support systems for individuals in abusive relationships, urging those who find themselves in similar situations to seek help and report any incidents of violence.
Conclusion
The tragic case of MaryJayne Collins serves as a haunting reminder of the destructive nature of revenge and the far-reaching consequences of domestic abuse. It underscores the importance of community vigilance and support for those affected by violence, particularly in familial contexts. As the investigation continues and efforts are made to bring Dawayland Hurst to justice, the hope remains that Collins’s story will inspire change and prevent further tragedies in the future.
