Murder in the Heartland, May 8, 2024, ID, “Money is a Motive”

The ID channel’s true-crime series Murder in the Heartland returns with an episode on Wednesday May 8, examining the 2014 murder of Gregory Scott Collins from Casey, Illinois.

The episode focuses on the investigation into Collins’ death, which was initially believed to have been caused by a house fire. However, it is soon revealed that Collins was murdered, and his German Shepherd, Gretchen, holds the key to solving the case.

The programme will include interviews with Collins’ family, friends, and investigators, as well as reenactments of the events surrounding his death.

In January 2014, Collins was found dead in his home, along with his dog, Gretchen. Thomas C. Messina, a 20-year-old with no fixed address, pleaded guilty to the murder and was sentenced to 45 years in prison. Messina also faced charges of aggravated arson, aggravated cruelty to animals, residential arson, and unlawful possession of a weapon.

Messina told investigators that he stabbed Collins to death during an attempted burglary and killed Gretchen by stabbing her. He also set fire to Collins’ home. Messina was identified through DNA evidence after being bitten by Gretchen, which caused him to leave blood at the scene.

Murder in the Heartland airs on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 9.00 pm on ID.