Denver Man Sentenced for Second-Degree Murder
Innis Lee Collins received a 32-year prison term for the death of his 19-year-old girlfriend.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Criminal Justice
A Denver judge sentenced 42-year-old Innis Lee Collins to 32 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. The sentencing follows the discovery of 19-year-old Namantha Noller Rice, whose body was found in an apartment building stairwell in 2022.
Why it matters
The sentencing concludes a legal process that began after the victim was found in a stairwell at East 16th Avenue and Broadway. Charges including first-degree murder and tampering with a body were dismissed as part of the resolution.
Innis Lee Collins received a 32-year prison sentence following his guilty plea in August 2026. Multiple charges, including first-degree murder and tampering with evidence, were dismissed by the court.
The players
Innis Lee Collins
The 42-year-old defendant was the boyfriend of the victim and pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
Namantha Noller Rice
The 19-year-old victim was the girlfriend of the defendant and was found dead in an apartment stairwell.
The details
Police investigation involved reviewing surveillance footage that captured Collins carrying the unconscious victim from his apartment into the building's stairwell. The discovery of the body occurred in April 2022, several months after the defendant had been arrested on a prior assault charge involving the victim.
Timeline
February 2022: Defendant arrested on assault charge involving victim.
April 2022: Resident discovered body in stairwell.
August 2026: Defendant entered guilty plea.
September 21, 2026: Court sentenced defendant to prison.
Legal Context
This case reflects the application of Colorado's second-degree murder sentencing guidelines, which provide specific ranges for judicial discretion. Such outcomes highlight how plea agreements shift the final disposition of cases from original first-degree murder charges.
The resolution of this case provides closure regarding the incident that occurred at the apartment building near East 16th Avenue and Broadway. Local residents are no longer faced with an active, unresolved homicide investigation involving the property.
The takeaway
The conclusion of this case underscores the importance of digital surveillance in securing convictions for violent crimes. Residents are reminded to report suspicious activity in shared building spaces to local authorities immediately.
Further reading
For more information on judicial proceedings in the area, visit the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Denver Post.
