Fairfax County, VA– A man was found guilty on Tuesday for shooting the mother of his child multiple times in Fairfax County last year, resulting in her near inability to speak today. Footage, featuring recordings from the victim’s cellphone, was crucial in the case.
A jury found Collins Agyei guilty of malicious wounding and the unlawful use of a firearm that caused injury.
Shortly after a 25-year-old mother secured a protective order against Agyei, he allegedly shot her multiple times at the Mallard Court Apartments in Mount Vernon, according to prosecutors. She had just left their son at a bus stop.
Surveillance footage reveals that Agyei and the unnamed victim approached her apartment when he began shooting. The victim fled and then fell, while Agyei made his escape.
Authorities found the individual on a patio, with several gunshot wounds. Officers quickly sprang into action to address her injuries while inquiring about the incident.
In footage from the police body camera, she is heard softly responding to an officer’s question, “Your son’s father shot you?”
Prosecutors reported that she managed to whisper the name “Collins.” A detective reported that the victim’s cellphone was recording at the time of the attack.
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“Collins Agyei is seen wearing black latex gloves … and holding a firearm pointed at [the] victim. She can be heard saying the name ‘Collins’ multiple times in the video,” the detective said.
“The video records what sounds like a struggle. Victim drops her phone … six loud banging sounds, similar to a gun being fired, can be heard,” the documents say.
The individual received hospital care from February through May. A detective shared a video during her recent hospital stay for additional surgery, highlighting the ongoing challenges she faces with her speech.
“Is that your humidifier for your trach?” the detective asks on video.
“To keep it moist so I can breathe in,” the victim manages to say.
The defense contended that the prosecution’s case lacked crucial information and evidence, such as the victim’s testimony. During earlier hearings, prosecutors indicated that the victim’s serious injuries render her almost unable to communicate.
The defense contended that when the victim whispered “Collins,” she was not identifying her attacker but rather ensuring that the police were aware of her child’s father’s name in the event of her death.
Agyei will receive his sentence later on Tuesday. The victim and her brother are set to provide their testimonies from a distance.
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Agyei faces a charge that could result in a 20-year prison term. A judge has dropped a more serious charge of aggravated malicious wounding after a mistake was made by prosecutors at the beginning of the trial. It had the potential for a lengthy sentence.
