Husband Calls 911 to Report Fatal Shooting of Wife in Iredell County

Husband Calls 911 to Report Fatal Shooting of Wife in Iredell County

IREDELL COUNTY, NC — On the morning of Friday, May 16, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded in Iredell County when a man called 911 to report that he had fatally shot his wife. The call, placed at 8:13 a.m., was received by Iredell County Emergency Communications. The caller, identified as 70-year-old Bobby Lee Collins, informed dispatchers that he had shot his wife around 7:00 a.m. at their home. He further stated that after the incident, he locked the door to the house and left with the keys in his pocket.

Collins told authorities he was currently parked at the intersection of Powell Bridge Road and Harmony Highway. Deputies with the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office responded immediately, locating the suspect vehicle within minutes. Collins was taken into custody without incident.

As additional patrol units responded to secure the residence, law enforcement officers entered the home and discovered the body of a deceased female. The victim was later identified as 68-year-old Iona Collins, wife of the suspect. Iredell County EMS personnel responded to the scene and officially pronounced her dead.

The residence was immediately secured as a crime scene. Investigators from the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Investigations Unit and Crime Scene Investigators soon arrived to process the scene. A search warrant was executed, allowing authorities to thoroughly examine the interior of the home. During the search, numerous pieces of physical evidence were identified and collected for analysis.

Bobby Lee Collins was transported to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office where he was interviewed by detectives. Following the interview, he was formally charged with Murder in connection with the death of Iona Collins.

Collins was brought before Magistrate M. Nethken, who issued a No Bond ruling, indicating the seriousness of the charges and the nature of the crime. Collins remains in custody at the Iredell County Detention Center.

Officials from the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office have confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing. Detectives are working to determine a motive and whether there were any prior reports of domestic issues or other relevant circumstances surrounding the tragic event.

The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office is asking that anyone with information related to this case come forward to assist investigators as they continue to piece together the events that led to this fatal shooting.

This incident marks a somber moment for the community, underscoring the often-hidden realities of domestic violence and the irreversible toll it can take. Law enforcement officials and crisis intervention advocates remind the public that resources are available for those in difficult or dangerous domestic situations.

Further updates will be released as the investigation progresses.