LINCOLN, NE – A Nebraska woman is speaking out after authorities said she endured a violent ordeal at the hands of her ex-boyfriend, who now faces a slew of serious charges, including kidnapping and attempted murder.

Jesserae Beck, 42, says she survived a night of terror when Christopher Collins, 36, allegedly assaulted, strangled, and kidnapped her before authorities intervened. Collins, who had reportedly been released on bond for an earlier assault charge, could spend the rest of his life in prison if he is convicted.

The incident unfolded in late September after a protection order against Collins was lifted at Beck’s request. She told police she had brought him a home-cooked meal that night, only for the evening to take a violent turn when she arrived at his residence.

According to Beck, Collins attacked her without warning, leaving her unconscious. When she regained consciousness, she found herself in a rental property owned by Collins, with little memory of how she got there. She described waking up to realize he believed she was dead, and recounted sitting for hours in the house as Collins spoke erratically and made disturbing threats.

Authorities say that as Beck attempted to remain calm and prolong the situation in hopes of survival, Collins oscillated between threats against her and himself, at one point asking Beck to end his life. Beck refused, telling him she could not bear to harm someone she cared about.

Despite promising to turn himself in the next day, Collins allegedly continued to hold Beck in the property. The situation escalated as Collins reportedly tampered with a natural gas line in the home, telling Beck that neither of them would survive. Fearing for her life and the lives of others nearby, Beck described how the home filled with gas, raising the risk of an explosion that could have impacted surrounding homes.

Emergency responders and SWAT officers forced their way into the house on September 25. Inside, they found Beck and Collins, with Beck alleging that Collins was actively trying to harm her as officers entered. She reported being struck in the head with a glass bottle and strangled just moments before police subdued Collins.

Authorities located evidence throughout the house, including bloodstains and clumps of hair, underscoring the violence of the encounter. Beck was transported to a hospital, where she was treated for a brain bleed, fractured ribs, and a broken nose.

Collins faces charges of kidnapping, use of a weapon to commit a felony, and terroristic threats, adding to previous allegations of assault by strangulation from an incident the month prior. His next court appearance is set for November 6.

Reflecting on her experience, Beck acknowledged the trauma and injuries she sustained but expressed gratitude for surviving the ordeal. She also voiced concern for the safety of others, noting that the explosion could have endangered innocent lives had the incident not been stopped in time.

As the investigation continues, Collins remains in custody awaiting trial, while Beck recovers and hopes her story will encourage others facing similar situations to seek help.