Kyle Collins played Monopoly with his neighbors and girlfriend in their Arizona apartment complex courtyard on July 20. The next morning, police say he allegedly returned home and beat Cierra Tellez to death with a metallic cane shaft before calling 911 himself.
Background
Collins, 37, and Tellez, 36, lived together in Mesa, Arizona. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Law&Crime, neighbors told investigators they were playing board games in the courtyard the night before and nothing suspicious was observed during the game. One neighbor told AZ Family that "everything was fine, nothing was off."
Video surveillance shows Tellez and Collins entering their apartment after the Monopoly game concluded on July 20. Police say she does not exit again at all.
The following morning, July 21, officers arrived at the residence after Collins called 911 around 11 a.m., claiming he came home from work and found Tellez dead inside. Investigators observed blood throughout the apartment. A "metallic cane shaft appeared to be a weapon used, was broken with blood and hair located on it," according to the affidavit.
Tellez was found naked and dead between the side of a bed frame and bedroom wall. The arrest report describes injuries "all over the victim's body" including bruises and gashes, with one wound to her forehead where "the skull appeared to be visible."
The Investigation
Detectives say they reviewed video surveillance from a neighboring apartment that contradicted Collins' account of his whereabouts. Rather than leaving for work as he claimed, footage shows him entering and exiting the apartment multiple times during the hours he stated he was working.
Collins allegedly told investigators he learned that morning Tellez "cheated on him last week with an unknown male" and had been "using fentanyl without his knowledge for the duration of their relationship." According to police, Collins said he confronted her about paying for drugs, and she allegedly responded that she was performing sex acts in exchange for them.
Neighbors told police Collins came to their apartment around 7 a.m. on July 21 telling them he was "mad" at Tellez for cheating. When questioned by detectives about the confrontation, Collins reportedly said her confession "p—ed me off" and they got into a fight that morning.
Video footage also captured Collins appearing to scrub his hands, arms, and chest with a rag or towel while wearing only camouflaged shorts before re-entering the apartment.
Collins' employer told police his mother called to say he would not be coming in for a sick day, stating he "just found out that his girlfriend cheated on him and [needed] some time to 'clear his head.'"
During questioning, Collins allegedly made incriminating statements. When asked if there was a physical altercation, he said: "We had some words and I went out the door." When immediately asked "so you never put hands on her?" he replied: "That's a lie, that is a lie."
He later allegedly stated: "I don't know how to go about it. I already know I'm f—ed. Like I really am, I f—ed up, it's my fault." When asked for more details, Collins requested an attorney.
During the booking process at the jail, Collins was allegedly overheard responding "yeah, both" when asked if he had plans on hurting himself or others today, adding: "I already hurt someone so nah, I'm just playin."
Collins was arrested and booked on charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping. During his first court appearance, prosecutors noted a history of domestic violence.
Key Takeaways
- Cierra Tellez, 36, was found dead July 21 in the Mesa apartment she shared with her boyfriend Kyle Collins, 37
- Police allege she was beaten to death with a "metallic cane shaft" that was broken and covered in blood and hair
- Video surveillance contradicts Collins' claim he left for work; it shows him entering and exiting the apartment multiple times during those hours
- According to police, Collins allegedly admitted confronting Tellez about cheating and drug use that morning, saying her confession "p—ed me off"
- He is charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping; prosecutors have described him as a "very dangerous individual"
What's Next
Collins remains in custody without bond. His case is pending further court proceedings in Maricopa County. Prosecutors indicated they view this as a particularly brutal killing and have flagged Collins as dangerous given the alleged domestic violence history.
The investigation into Tellez's death continues, with authorities processing physical evidence including the alleged murder weapon.