Former Nebraska running back Collins sentenced to life for murder of suspected drug dealer

By MARGERY A. BECK , Associated Press

Last update: November 12, 2009 - 2:27 PM

OMAHA, Neb. - Former Nebraska running back Thunder Collins has been sentenced to life in prison for his role in a September 2008 shooting that killed one man and injured another.

In sentencing Thursday the Douglas County District Court also gave Collins a further 110 years on other counts, including attempted second-degree murder, assault and two weapons charges. The sentences are to be served consecutively.

Collins' attorney says he will appeal.

Collins was arrested within a day of the Omaha shooting that left 38-year-old Timothy Thomas dead and another California man, Marshall Turner, seriously wounded.

Prosecutors said the shooting stemmed from a botched drug deal in which Collins masterminded a plan to rob the men.

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