Accused of son's murder, Pierre Collins makes first court appearance

The Twin Cities man accused of killing his 10-year-old son, Barway Collins, made his first court appearance today.

Pierre Collins was charged this week with second-degree murder in the boy's death. Barway's body was found Saturday in the Mississippi River with his feet and torso bound with duct tape.

Collins' family declined to speak to reporters after the brief hearing. His next court appearance is set for May 14. Bail has been set at $2 million.

Prosecutors say Pierre Collins sought to increase the death benefit on his son's life insurance policy two days before Barway disappeared. A spokesman for Pierre Collins says he maintains his innocence.

Many in the Liberian community are angry about the boy's death, said Magdalene Menyongar, a Liberian-American at the courthouse Wednesday.

"They're furious," said Menyongar, who described herself as a single mother. "They want justice for little Barway. It is not right — that's a little child."

She said she will show up for every court appearance to demand justice for Barway Collins because his own mother remains in Liberia.