Justice Served on the Treasure Coast After Lengthy Delay
A St. Lucie County jury recently delivered a rapid verdict in a years-long criminal case on the Treasure Coast. Following a three-day trial, jurors deliberated for less than thirty minutes before convicting 35-year-old Collin Martin O’Hara of second-degree murder with a weapon. The conviction stems from the fatal 2020 stabbing of 51-year-old Calvin Bates in Fort Pierce.
Assistant State Attorney Jonathan Libby prosecuted the case, which now carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. O’Hara, who chose not to testify during the proceedings, is scheduled for sentencing before Circuit Judge Michael Linn on October 16.
The 2020 Incident at Park Terrace Apartments
The tragic event unfolded on June 12, 2020, at the Park Terrace Apartments located just north of Fort Pierce City Hall. According to trial details, Bates was sitting outside his apartment socializing with a neighbor and his visiting sister. O’Hara, who also resided in the complex, approached the group to ask for a cigarette.
When Bates asked for a lighter, an arrest affidavit states O’Hara began shaking, made an unfounded and disturbing accusation against Bates, and suddenly stabbed him in the neck. First responders from the St. Lucie County Fire District rushed Bates to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital, where he tragically died during surgery.
He then fled the scene and was followed by a witness.
Arrest and Investigation Details
Following the stabbing, Fort Pierce Police tracked O’Hara to a nearby Anytime Fitness gym on Orange Avenue. Before his apprehension inside the facility, O’Hara reportedly told two gym employees that he was going to miss them and that he would be going away for a while.
During the investigation, O’Hara provided conflicting accounts of the incident. He initially claimed that Bates had inflicted the fatal wound upon himself. This defense was systematically dismantled during the trial.
Key details from the investigation and trial include:
- Medical Examiner’s Testimony: The autopsy conclusively refuted O’Hara’s claim of self-infliction. The medical examiner testified that it was virtually impossible for the victim to have caused his own fatal wound.
- Unfounded Accusations: O’Hara’s alleged motive involved believing Bates was a child molester. Law enforcement thoroughly investigated this claim and found absolutely zero evidence to support the accusation.
- Witness Observations: A witness noted that prior to the attack, O’Hara was acting strangely and talking to himself.
Mental Health Competency Delays
The path to trial was significantly delayed due to court-ordered mental health evaluations. Court records indicate that a judge had previously ruled O’Hara mentally and physically unable to stand trial. The case remained stalled until earlier this year when, following a subsequent mental health evaluation in March, Judge Linn ruled O’Hara competent to proceed. He was formally re-arrested on the second-degree murder charge in April, paving the way for this month’s trial and conviction.
