Messina Pleads Guilty to Clark County Murder

Windsor resident Thomas Messina has pleaded guilty to the Clark County murder of Gregory Scott Collins.

The 20-year-old Messina pleaded guilty Friday to one count of first degree murder in Collins' death in January 2014. Collins' body was found by firefighters while fighting a fire in Collins' home in Casey.

The case had been delayed while the defense asked that Messina be examined to determine whether an appropriate plea in the case would be guilty but mentally ill or not guilty by reason of insanity.

In court Friday, Messina told the judge that he understood the charges he faced and pleaded guilty to one murder count while other counts he faced were dismissed. The defense did request a mental health and substance abuse treatment furlough for Messina. The request will be considered during a hearing set for this Wednesday at 9am.

Both sides agreed that Messina is not eligible for extended term sentencing.