Villager Faces Torture Allegations Amidst Chilly Conditions

A 53-year-old man, Paul L. Collins, has been charged with domestic violence after allegedly subjecting his girlfriend to extreme cold as a form of abuse. The incident occurred on December 17 at their home in The Villages at Rancho El Dorado, when the temperature dipped to 34 degrees that night.

According to police reports, Collins allegedly cut off all power to the home, opened multiple windows to allow cold air to enter, and stripped the cushions from the couches. He also locked doors to rooms with running hot water and secured the power box, preventing it from being turned back on. Following this chilling ordeal, he left his girlfriend alone in the house.

Local officers, responding to the girlfriend’s call for help, monitored the residence until Collins returned at around midnight. Upon noticing police activity in the area, he attempted to evade capture by pulling into an adjacent driveway on Bustos Way, where authorities arrested him.

Collins is currently held at the Pinal County jail and faces the possibility of seven months behind bars. This case highlights the serious issue of domestic violence within the community.

For those affected by domestic violence in Maricopa, assistance is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides resources and support at 800-799-SAFE (7233).