Man who shot Phoenix shelter manager convicted of murder

PHOENIX -- A man accused of killing a homeless shelter manager earlier this year has been convicted of second degree murder, according to court officials on Thursday.

George Overturf, 61, was a living at the shelter when he shot and killed Central Arizona Shelter Services worker Kevin Collins in February.

After sentencing, County Attorney Andrew Thomas said, "Kevin Collins devoted his life to helping those in need. It's hoped that this conviction will bring some justice to his family and to his many friends at Central Arizona Shelter Services."

Officials said Thursday that during the trial it was learned that Collins was able to make his way back into the shelter, warn his co-workers, and call 911 before he died. Moments later, Sheriff's Deputies arrested Overturf.

"It sounded like firecrackers, bang, bang, bang," said one witness.

Maricopa County Sheriff's Deputy Lindsey Smith said the shooting happened around 9 a.m. near 12th Avenue and Madison Street.

An MCSO deputy was in the area of the scene at Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) when he reportedly heard shots fired and responded.

Witnesses reported hearing nine gunshots and pointed out the suspect, identified as 60-year-old George Overturf, who allegedly had a gun.

The deputy took Overturf, a reported transient of the shelter, into custody.

"When he pulled up, people were pointing out the suspect, he immediately took him into custody.  We have our guy, we know who did this," said Smith

A deputy reportedly conducted a search and found a .25 cal handgun in Overturf’s waistband with a live round in the chamber.

Overturf allegedly had a box of ammo with several rounds missing in another pocket and six spent shells were found in the area.

MCSO reportedly obtained a surveillance video that showed the incident where the victim and the suspect are talking in front of the building.

Overturf allegedly removed a gun from his waistband and fired at Kevin Collins, a manager in the residential area of CASS.

Officials said Collins could be seen moving away as Overturf pursued him and fired again.

Collins apparently did not make any threatening movements towards Overturf.

Collins was later found with multiple gunshot wounds in a courtyard at the shelter.

Smith said Collins was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital before passing away.

At this time, Smith said the motive for the shooting is unknown.

The paperwork also shows Overturf has a criminal conviction for a 1995 murder in Minnesota. He apparently admitted this to CASS staff saying he did 12 years in prison.

Central Arizona Shelter Services Statement

Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) continues to mourn the loss of Mr. Kevin Collins who died Monday after being fatally wounded on the Human Services Campus.

We at CASS had the absolute pleasure of working with Kevin for the past five years. During this time, Kevin's caring and professional manner resulted in his receipt of numerous CASS "Above the Call of Duty" and "Everyday Excellence" awards.

Always with a smile on his face and a "hello" for everyone, Kevin was a patient man who was a trusted staff member, as well as, a friend and supporter to many of the homeless men and women served by CASS. Kevin was always willing to stop and help a client solve a problem. As one client remarked, "he was one of the best."

Kevin's patient manner and his ability to problem solve often placed him in a leadership role as CASS and the Human Services Campus piloted new services. Kevin was one of two shelter managers responsible for the opening of what is now known as the Men's Outreach Shelter. In a similar manner, Kevin helped manage the weekend operations of the Lodestar Day Resource Center when it first began operations three years ago.

Kevin's thoughtfulness and commitment to helping those in need extended beyond CASS' walls. Originally from Window Rock and a member of the Navajo Nation, Kevin remained concerned about the needs of his tribal community. Years ago, as CASS moved from its first location to a new building on the Human Services Campus, Kevin dismantled and moved a large commercial water heater to an older building without sufficient hot water located in the Window Rock community.

Kevin's commitment to his fellow CASS staff members and to client safety was evident in even his final minutes. Although mortally wounded, Kevin was the first to alert staff to the incident and to make the first call to 911. This care, concern and compassion for his fellow staffers and clients will be remembered and treasured.

The Collins family has established an account in Kevin's name at Desert Schools Federal Credit Union.