LINCOLN, NE – A Lincoln woman is recounting a terrifying ordeal in which she was allegedly beaten, strangled, and kidnapped by her former partner, who also tried to ignite a deadly natural gas explosion with both of them still inside the home.
Jesserae Beck, 42, is speaking out about the September incident, describing a violent episode she says unfolded at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, Christopher Collins, 36. Collins now faces a range of felony charges, including kidnapping, making terroristic threats, and use of a weapon to commit a felony.
The case underscores ongoing domestic violence concerns, as investigators say Beck suffered multiple assaults prior to the September incident. Authorities report Collins was already out on bond after being charged with assault by strangulation following a previous altercation in August. A protection order against Collins had reportedly been lifted just one day before the latest attack, at Beck’s request.
Investigators say Beck had gone to Collins’ residence on September 24, bringing him a home-cooked meal. According to her account, the encounter quickly turned violent, leading to her being knocked unconscious. Beck awoke in a different property owned by Collins, disoriented and severely injured, with little memory of the events that had occurred.
Beck says Collins believed he had killed her when she lost consciousness. When she came to, the two sat together for several hours. According to Beck, Collins asked her to end his life, a request she refused. He allegedly threatened that if she did not comply, he would first kill her and then himself.
Authorities say the situation escalated further when Collins began tampering with a natural gas line inside the home, attempting to create an explosion. Beck described an atmosphere filled with gas so strong that, had it ignited, it would have endangered not only their lives but neighbors’ as well.
Law enforcement and SWAT teams arrived at the property on September 25. Officers found Beck with visible injuries and Collins actively assaulting her, according to police reports. Beck was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was treated for a fractured nose, bleeding in the brain, rib fractures, and other injuries. Police said evidence from the scene included bloodstains and clumps of hair, pointing to the violence that had occurred.
Beck says she considers herself fortunate to have survived the ordeal, despite her extensive wounds. “It could be worse. I could be dead,” she said after the incident.
Collins was immediately taken into custody as SWAT officers intervened to stop the attack. Prosecutors say he is facing charges that could result in a life sentence if convicted. He is scheduled for a court appearance on November 6 as the case progresses.