Saratoga Springs Man Michael Collins Tragically Killed After Being Shot in Chest with BB Gun by Roommate Brendan Carl; Suspect Arrested and Charged with Manslaughter as Community Mourns Sudden Loss

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — The Saratoga Springs community is in shock and mourning following the tragic and unexpected death of 27-year-old Michael Collins, a well-liked and active local resident, who died in the early hours of Sunday, April 6, 2025. Collins was fatally shot with a BB gun by his roommate, 26-year-old Brendan Carl, in what authorities have described as a deeply troubling incident.

A Shocking Call for Help

Just after 5:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, Saratoga Springs Police responded to a 911 call from a residence on Warren Street. The caller, later identified as Brendan Carl, reported that his roommate had been shot and was struggling to breathe. Emergency personnel from the Saratoga Springs Fire Department arrived within minutes and found Michael Collins unresponsive and bleeding profusely from a chest wound.

Collins was rushed to Albany Medical Center, where doctors attempted emergency treatment. Tragically, despite all efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.

The Weapon: A BB Gun, Deadly at Close Range

Investigators determined that the fatal injury was caused by a high-velocity BB gun — a weapon often mistaken as non-lethal but capable of inflicting deadly harm depending on the circumstances. Police have not released detailed information about how the shooting occurred but stated that the BB gun was fired at close range, causing significant internal damage.

Brendan Carl was taken into custody at the scene without incident. After interviewing Carl and reviewing preliminary evidence, authorities charged him with second-degree manslaughter, a felony that implies recklessness leading to another person’s death. He also faces charges of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Who Was Michael Collins?

Michael Collins was described by friends and family as kind-hearted, intelligent, and always willing to lend a hand. A graduate of Saratoga Springs High School, he remained active in the community, working at a local business and volunteering in his spare time. He was known for his love of music, his easy-going personality, and his deep connection to the city he called home.

“Michael had a gentle soul,” said one friend. “He was always smiling, always making people feel welcome. This just doesn’t feel real.”

His sudden and violent passing has left loved ones devastated, and the outpouring of grief on social media has been widespread. Memorials and candlelight vigils are being planned in his honor.

Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation

Brendan Carl was arraigned on Monday morning in Saratoga County Court and is currently being held without bail. Prosecutors allege that Carl’s actions were reckless and that he failed to grasp the potentially fatal consequences of using the BB gun in close proximity to a vital area of the body.

While Carl’s defense team has yet to issue a public statement, legal experts say the case raises important questions about the criminal liability associated with non-traditional weapons and the line between negligence and manslaughter.

The Saratoga Springs Police Department continues to investigate, including reviewing forensic evidence from the scene and interviewing witnesses and acquaintances. Toxicology reports are pending, and it remains unclear whether alcohol or other substances were involved.

A Community in Mourning

As the city of Saratoga Springs processes the heartbreaking loss of a young man taken far too soon, local leaders and community groups are rallying around the Collins family. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with funeral expenses and to help honor Michael’s legacy with a community initiative in his name.

“This is a tragic reminder of how fragile life is,” said one local pastor. “We must not only seek justice but also find ways to heal as a community.”

Funeral Arrangements

Funeral services for Michael Collins are expected to be held later this week. His family has requested privacy as they grieve but expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received.

Michael’s death leaves behind not only broken hearts, but a call for deeper conversations around responsibility, safety, and how easily a moment of recklessness can lead to irreversible loss.

More updates will follow as the case progresses and as Saratoga Springs continues to mourn one of its own.