Thanks to a deathbed testimony, justice was finally served to a boy from Texas after 17 years.
Robbie Middleton, an eight-year-old boy, fell victim to a brutal attack in 1998 in Splendora, Texas. He was tied to a tree, doused with gasoline, and set ablaze by another boy, as reported by ABC.
Warning: contains shocking images.
Years later, the perpetrator faced the consequences, and Robbie’s family received the largest compensation ever awarded in the United States.
Robbie’s tragic ordeal began in Texas, where he was just a regular schoolboy. However, on his eighth birthday, his life took a horrific turn when he encountered a 13-year-old monster named Don Collins. Collins abducted Robbie, bound him to a tree, poured gasoline on him, and set him on fire near his home in Splendora, Texas, as documented by Huffington Post.
Sustaining third-degree burns on 99 percent of his body, Robbie underwent over 150 surgeries and endured prolonged stays in a rehabilitation facility. A decade after the attack, he was diagnosed with cancer believed to stem from his severe burns, leading to his tragic demise. The courts deemed his death a homicide.
Initially a suspect, Don was released due to insufficient evidence.
However, a new revelation emerged on Robbie’s deathbed when he explicitly accused Don of the heinous act by uttering “Don did it” to the Middleton family’s attorney.
Robbie’s own words were played in court, where he recounted the horrific incident:
“Don grabbed my shoulder and poured gasoline on my face. After that, I don’t really remember.”
The attorney captured his statement, leading to the conviction of Don, now 29, by a Galveston court in February 2015. Despite committing the crime at 13, Don received the maximum sentence of forty years in prison, as reported by KHOU.
“Today, justice is served for a young boy,” stated officer Rob Freyer in the court’s closing remarks.
The attorney revealed during the trial that the motive behind the crime was Don’s prior sexual assault on Robbie two weeks before the gasoline attack. In a poignant video from his hospital bed, Robbie finally disclosed the truth, providing closure after many years. The jury witnessed his confession seventeen days before his passing.
An additional witness, now an adult, came forth and testified that Don had also victimized him in his youth, as documented by ABC.
Moreover, Robbie’s family was granted the highest compensation ever awarded in the U.S., amounting to $150 billion, as per The Telegraph. Yet, no amount of money can fill the void left by Robbie’s absence.
To commemorate Robbie, Galveston observes Robbie Middleton Day annually on June 28, his birthday.
Robbie’s enduring story has deeply touched countless individuals worldwide, and his family continues to share his legacy.
We must always remember Robbie. His silence for so long is a tragedy. Never hesitate to speak up if something is wrong – to a friend, teacher, parent, or anyone. Share this to honor his memory. Rest in peace, Robbie (6/28/1990 – 4/29/2011). ❤️
