Pastor: Put the spotlight back on Barway Collins, not the family

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The parents of missing 10-year-old Barway Collins stood with Pastor Harding Smith at a Monday afternoon press conference to answer questions surrounding the boy's disappearance and "to put the spotlight back on Barway Collins, and not the family." 

"I am here today for us to find ways to refocus on finding Barway," Smith said.

Barway Collins has been missing since the afternoon of March 18. The police investigation is focusing on what happened after Barway left a school van in front of the Cedarwood Apartments in Crystal, Minn. In video footage, Barway looks out the window and is heard referring to his father and an "uncle."  Crystal Police Chief Stephanie Revering has named Pierre Collins a suspect in the 4th grader's disappearance.

"This man has been charged and found guilty already in the minds of most people," Smith said. "He has been tried in the court of public opinion and found guilty."

Life insurance policy

Smith confirmed there was a $30,000 life insurance policy that was taken out 3 years ago, not just on Barway, but all 4 children in the family.

"There was no insurance policy that was taken a month ago on Barway Collins," Smith said. "There were insurance policies taken over three years ago on all four of his children."

Could Barway Collins be in Liberia?

"All indications are no, he is not in Liberia," Smith said.

Who is the man Barway referred to as uncle?

"We do not know who he is," Smith said.

On Saturday, two separate searches were organized, and Barway's father, Pierre Collins, took part for the first time in recent weeks. So far, volunteer searches have found little more than river trash, but searchers are optimistic they may a piece of evidence that leads them to Barway.

Bring Barway home

There's a $12,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of anyone involved in the disappearance. Call 952-258-5321 or 800-222-8477 with information. Callers may remain anonymous.