On March 18, 2015, Louise Karluah’s world changed forever. That day, she found out her 10-year-old son, Barway Collins, was missing after getting off his school bus in Crystal. Weeks later, his body was discovered in the Mississippi River. Tragically, Barway was murdered by his father, Pierre Collins, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Investigators believe the motive was to collect insurance money.
Last Saturday, Barway’s memory was honored with a life-size bronze statue in Becker Park, near the apartment complex where he once lived and played. Louise expressed her gratitude to the community for their support, saying, “This is so precious to me.
The statue, funded by $21,000 in community donations, stands as a reminder of Barway’s life and potential. Crystal Police Chief Stephanie Revering called it the most heartbreaking case of her career, emphasizing how the statue honors the young boy’s memory. Louise now dreams of building a school in Liberia in Barway’s name, ensuring his legacy lives on.