#Connecticut man plotted to kidnap, torture and kill former flame: court docs

A married Connecticut man plotted with his wife and the couple’s girlfriend to kill his former flame after kidnapping her, court documents show.

But the alleged sinister scheme by Nathan Collins, 29, of West Haven, was derailed on June 8 when police said the mother of four — who cut off her relationship with Collins after just a few dates — fought back, the Connecticut Post reports.

Collins, who was arrested in Shelton a day later, is facing charges of attempted murder, assault, reckless endangerment and other counts in the shooting attack, during which he allegedly told the woman to “shut up” as she begged for her life, according to the newspaper.

The shooting left the woman paralyzed from a bullet that struck her spine, Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Charles Stango told a judge Wednesday during the arraignment of 26-year-old Ashley Clark, who was described in court documents as the girlfriend of Collins and his 29-year-old wife, Elizabeth.

Elizabeth Collins told police during an interview that she and her husband had an open relationship involving several partners — and acknowledged she was aware her husband had been dating the victim.

Elizabeth has been charged with conspiracy to commit kidnapping, assault and hindering prosecution in connection with the attack. She was released on $200,000 bond and declined comment when reached by the newspaper.

Clark, who was charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree kidnapping, was ordered held on $100,000 bond.

Police said the victim, of West Haven, was shot as she walked to her car and identified Nathan Collins as the man who attacked her after she cut off their relationship following several dates.

Investigators later went to Collins’ home, where his wife initially told cops she knew nothing of the shooting, affidavits show.

Collins’ wife later told investigators he was angered that the victim cut off their romantic relationship and convinced her and Clark to help him kidnap the woman, police said.

Elizabeth Collins told police the trio were prepared to kidnap the woman at gunpoint before tying her to a tree and burning her alive, arrest warrants show.

The woman fought back during the kidnapping attempt, though, prompting Nathan Collins to shoot her. The trio then fled, police said.

Nathan Collins later insisted to investigators that the alleged scheme was entirely his wife’s plan and accused her of shooting the mother of four, police said.