Teen sought in beating of 71-year-old woman in Lefthand Canyon identified by sheriff’s office

BOULDER, Colo. – The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday identified the teenage hitchhiker accused of nearly beating a 71-year-old woman to death in Lefthand Canyon Monday.

Jeffrey Collins, 16, remains at large and is considered dangerous. He will likely be charged as an adult upon his arrest, according to the sheriff’s office.

Collins has an active warrant on attempted first-degree murder and first-degree assault to an at-risk adult charges.

The woman picked up Collins and two other teens around 8 p.m. Monday. After bringing them to her home on Lefthand Canyon Drive, Collins allegedly beat the woman with a blunt object.

The two other teens called police after running from the home, and Collins may have hitchhiked from the scene.

The woman suffered “significant” head injuries and remains in critical condition. Her son posted on Facebook Wednesday evening that she is doing better.

The sheriff’s office had to obtain a court order to release Collins’ identity, since he is a juvenile. It is asking anyone who has seen Collins to contact their local law enforcement agency or Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.