Guilty plea in Dollar Store murder

From the SAO:

Alice Michele Collins, 38, of the 6600 block of Eberle Drive pled guilty yesterday to first-degree murder before her scheduled trial was to begin. Judge Sylvester Cox sentenced Collins to life in prison, suspend all but 40 years.

On July 21, 2008 at the Family Dollar store located at 1231 W. Pratt Street, co-workers discovered the body of Elizabeth Queensbury, 51, assistant manager of the store. Queensbury had sustained multiple stab wounds and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner concluded that she sustained 37 sharp force injuries. Detectives observed the safe open, video surveillance missing and the alarm system disarmed prior to the victim’s arrival. A Representative from the Family Dollar indicated that deposits had not been made in several days and that more than $14,000 was missing. Collins was the store manager; her code was used at 6:29AM to gain access to the store and witnesses observed her leaving the store via the rear door at 7:45AM carrying a white bag.

Detectives questioned Collins that day, and they observed blood on her hands and socks. DNA testing subsequently determined that Queensbury’s blood was present on the defendant. Pending further investigation Collins was released and she fled to South Carolina where she was arrested. The defendant eventually did admit to the murder and the theft.

Before sentencing Collins, Judge Cox heard several victim impact statements read by two of Queensbury’s sisters. Approximately 20 members of Queensbury’s family were present.