A mother claims her son’s Afghanistan service caused his violent act, leading to a neighbors death in a parking dispute.
Collin used an army gift, a knife. His mom, Lynn Reeves, cites PTSD, saying his Afghanistan service caused it. He called 999 after the attack. Collin told police it was ‘just an operation’. He seemed to think he was still on duty.
Two psychiatrists said he wasn’t mentally ill. A jury rejected manslaughter. He got life in 2022, minimum 38 years, later reduced to 35 years on appeal.
Lynn wants the MOD to help veterans. She spoke in “Mums of Murderers.” Collin’s wife called Lynn after the stabbings, frantic and screaming. Lynn said her son looked drained and shocked. She hugged him, unsure what to do.
She wants more help offered than a simple checklist. She thinks Collin had PTSD. The MOD needs to aid veterans, she said. His commander died, a colleague was hurt. He guarded Taliban prisoners.
Lynn said he couldn’t sleep and hated loud noises. She feels guilty they missed his suffering. She believes her son is not evil.
She urges the MOD to assess soldiers during their transition. Collin was a “trained killer,” she stated, and went into “army mode.” She faces blame for his actions. People criticize her parenting.
A coroner asked the MOD to rethink gifting knives. Mental health issues are common for veterans, she noted. The MOD hasn’t changed knife gifting rules. They say they support mental healthcare. Veterans can access NHS specialist care. The MOD provides mental health training and a helpline. They offer stress management and support after service.