MaryJayne Collins, 23, was found dead in her Seabrook, Texas apartment on October 4, 2024, having suffered blunt force trauma and a stab wound. Her two young children were present and unharmed. Investigators say Collins had been in a relationship with 22‑year‑old Dawayland Earnest Hurst since June 2024, and that Hurst befriended her, displayed abusive behavior, and she showed friends injuries she said he caused.

Authorities believe Hurst began the relationship to avenge the 2020 slaying of his half‑brother Diajwan Triplett by Michael King; King is the father of one of Collins’ children and was incarcerated at the time. On the morning of Collins’ death Hurst took part in a video call with King during which he allegedly taunted King and slapped his own child; portions of that call were recorded and shared. A warrant was issued for Hurst’s arrest and he was taken into custody on October 28, 2024, in Texas City. He faces multiple charges including homicide and is held at the Galveston County Jail.

What new information might help explain how Collins’ relationship with Hurst developed and who else may have known about the alleged motive?