Moorhead Man Guilty of Murdering His Mother

MOORHEAD, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A Moorhead man has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the 2022 stabbing death of his mother.

James Diawo Kollie, 29, was convicted Wednesday, October 14, 2026, in Clay County District Court.

Judge Tammy Merkins found Kollie guilty of premeditated murder in the death of his mother, Receia Kollie.

Receia was killed inside her Moorhead home on December 1, 2022, according to the court findings.

Kollie now faces a mandatory life prison sentence. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 14, 2026.

Judge Finds Evidence of Planned Killing

In a 30-page ruling, Merkins determined prosecutors had proven Kollie’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The judge found that Kollie planned the killing before entering his mother’s home.

Prosecutors presented surveillance footage, purchase records, and evidence of earlier threats during the trial.

Video showed Kollie approaching the home around 4 p.m. while wearing a face mask, gloves, and a jacket.

He claimed he was visiting to collect personal belongings.

However, the home’s security camera stopped working after he entered. His mother’s cellphone was also disabled around that time.

Receia Kollie was found dead inside her home several hours later.

An autopsy revealed Receia suffered 28 stab wounds to her face and neck.

According to the ruling, three wounds were severe enough to cause death independently.

Investigators later located Receia’s vehicle in Wahpeton, North Dakota, about 45 miles south of Moorhead.

Authorities arrested James Kollie in Wahpeton the following day.

Evidence also showed Kollie had purchased a knife, gloves, clothing, and a ski mask before the killing.

The judge cited these purchases as part of the evidence supporting premeditation.

Court records showed Kollie had been arrested following a domestic dispute involving his mother days before her death.

During that incident, investigators alleged he threatened to kill her.

A recording of the November 27, 2022, dispute was presented during the murder trial.

Following that arrest, Kollie was released under conditions prohibiting contact with his mother.

He was required to have a police escort when collecting belongings from her residence.

Prosecutors argued that his earlier threats and later actions showed he intended to kill Receia.

Kollie waived his right to a jury trial, allowing Judge Merkins to decide the case.

The six-day trial included testimony from 24 witnesses.

Merkins found Kollie guilty of both first-degree premeditated murder and second-degree murder.

The second-degree count is expected to be dismissed at sentencing.

Clay County Attorney Brian Melton said the verdict reflected the strength of the prosecution’s evidence.

Defense attorney Nicole Bredahl said Kollie’s legal team is reviewing its available options.

Under Minnesota Statute 609.185, first-degree premeditated murder carries a mandatory life sentence.

Additional court records are available through Minnesota Court Records Online.

Kollie’s sentencing is scheduled for December 14, 2026, in Clay County District Court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.