22-Year-Old Man Convicted of Killing Phoenix Teen Dies at Pinal County Prison

A man convicted of the 2021 murder of a Phoenix teenager has died while serving his sentence at a Pinal County prison. Dupree Rollins, 22, passed away on Sunday at the La Palma Correctional Center in Eloy, according to the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR). Rollins had been serving time for the brutal killing of 16-year-old Romeo Perkins, a crime that shocked the Phoenix community.

The Murder of Romeo Perkins

The tragic events that led to Rollins’ conviction unfolded on July 20, 2021, at an apartment complex near 27th Avenue and Indian School Road in Phoenix. Rollins, who was 18 years old at the time, shot Perkins 10 times, taking the life of the young teenager. Authorities quickly apprehended Rollins, who was charged with first-degree murder. However, in February 2023, he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and several other charges, leading to his sentence at the Eloy prison.

Rollins’ Life Behind Bars

After his guilty plea, Rollins began serving at the La Palma Correctional Center in March 2023. Details surrounding his time in prison are sparse, as officials have not provided specific information about his activities or any incidents that may have occurred during his incarceration. Rollins’ death, which occurred earlier this week, has raised questions, but ADCRR has not disclosed the cause or circumstances of his passing.

Investigation and Ongoing Questions

The death of Dupree Rollins in prison remains shrouded in mystery. While his passing has sparked significant interest, authorities have yet to release any details regarding how he died. As the investigation continues, many are left wondering what led to the sudden death of a man convicted of such a high-profile murder. The Arizona Department of Corrections is expected to release more information as the investigation progresses, but for now, the cause of Rollins’ death remains unclear.