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Pierre Collins makes first court appearance

By Karen Zamora

April 16, 2015 at 4:09AM

Members of Pierre Collins’ family, including wife Yamah Collins, center, left the Hennepin County Government Center after Pierre Collins’ first appearance before a judge. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The Crystal man charged with second-degree murder in the death of his 10-year-old son made his first appearance Wednesday in Hennepin County District Court.

Authorities say Pierre Collins, 33, is the sole suspect in the death of his son Barway, whose body was found in the Mississippi River in Brooklyn Center over the weekend. Barway had been missing since March 18.

Authorities have said they hope to present evidence to a grand jury for possible first-degree murder charges.

In court, Pierre Collins spoke only to state his name, address and birth date, and was provided with a public defender.

Yamah Collins, Pierre's wife and Barway's stepmother, also was in court, wearing sunglasses and surrounded by her family, including the Collinses' two younger children.

The family did not address the news media.

Members of the Liberian immigrant community also were present, including Magdalene Menyongar, who said her primary concern is justice for Barway.

Collins' next court appearance is scheduled for May 14.

KAREN ZAMORA

Pierre Collins (Colleen Kelly — DML - Star Tribune Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)