Ep 5. Soldier of Misfortune

In the fifth episode of The 1990s: The Deadliest Decade season 1, Soldier of Misfortune, the focus is on the murder of decorated veteran Richard Collier. On December 8th, 1995, Collier was found shot to death in his home in St. Augustine, Florida. He had served in both the Vietnam War and the Gulf War, and had retired from the military as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Investigators quickly discovered that Collier had been living a secret life, as they found a hidden room in his home filled with illegal weapons, ammunition, and explosive materials. The discovery raised suspicion that Collier may have been involved in some sort of criminal activity, possibly arms dealing.

As the investigation progressed, a number of potential suspects emerged, including Collier's wife and a former business associate. But investigators were most intrigued by a man named Michael Jones, who Collier had met just a few months before his murder.

Jones was a former soldier who had served with Collier in the Gulf War. After the war, Jones had become disillusioned and had turned to a life of crime. He had been arrested several times for theft and other offenses, and had even been caught attempting to sell explosives to an undercover cop.

Investigators discovered that Collier had been trying to help Jones get back on his feet, offering him a place to live and a job at his gun shop. But as they dug deeper, they learned that Jones may have been involved in a scheme to steal and sell Collier's weapons.

As the evidence began to mount against Jones, investigators decided to bring him in for questioning. But when they went to his apartment to arrest him, they found he had fled. Eventually, Jones was apprehended in Texas, and he was extradited back to Florida to stand trial.

At trial, prosecutors argued that Jones had killed Collier to cover up his involvement in the theft of the weapons. They presented evidence that showed Jones had purchased a gun that was consistent with the one used to kill Collier, and they had witnesses who claimed to have seen him in the area around the time of the murder.

Despite the evidence against him, Jones maintained his innocence. He testified that he had been set up by another man, and that he had no involvement in Collier's murder. But the jury didn't buy his story, and he was found guilty of first-degree murder.

The episode concludes with an examination of the aftermath of the case, including the impact on Collier's family, the local community, and the military community. There is also a discussion of the broader issue of veterans struggling to adjust to civilian life, and the challenges that can arise when they become involved in criminal activity.

Soldier of Misfortune is a fascinating exploration of a complex and tragic case that highlights some of the most significant issues of the 1990s, including the challenges faced by veterans, the rise of gun violence, and the impact of crime on communities. Through interviews with investigators, legal experts, and family members, this episode paints a vivid picture of a time and a place that was fraught with danger and uncertainty.