Fri Sep 13 18:56:00 UTC 2024: ## Aurora Man Sentenced for Assault with Whip and Shotgun
**MOUNT VERNON, Mo. -** An Aurora man has been sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to assault charges stemming from an incident involving a whip and a shotgun.
Austin L. Collins, 30, initially faced charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action for the May 25 incident in which he allegedly attacked another man at a residence on Rock Street in Aurora.
According to a probable-cause affidavit, Collins wrapped a whip around the victim’s neck, choking him and leaving ligature marks. He then pointed a gun at the victim’s chest. Collins reportedly stated while being transported to jail that he should have killed the victim.
As part of a plea deal, Collins pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a weapon, leading to dismissal of the original charges. Judge Alan Blankenship accepted the plea bargain and sentenced Collins to the agreed-upon four-year term.
First Piper 