Secrets, Violence, and Tragedy: Inside the Mysterious Death of Ambria Collins, the Chicago Backdoor Queen Whose Murder Shattered Her Family and Exposed Dark Realities of the Streets

Ambria Collins, known affectionately as Dee Dee or Briski, was a vibrant figure in the streets of Chicago, often recognized for her connections to various gangs and her reputation as the “Backdoor Queen.”

Born on March 18, 1994, in Chicago, Illinois, Ambria grew up in a world rife with the complexities of gang culture, violence, and the struggle for identity.

Despite her tragic end, her life story is a reflection of the harsh realities faced by many young people in urban environments, where loyalty, love, and betrayal intertwine.

Ambria was raised by her mother, Tamika Collins, in a neighborhood known as Gyro City.

Her father was absent from her life, but she had a close relationship with her mother and grandmother.

Growing up in a challenging environment, Ambria learned to navigate the complexities of life in the inner city.

She was known for her outgoing personality, humor, and the ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

As a teenager, Ambria moved to the Crenshaw district of Los Angeles, where she attended Fairfax High School.

It was during this time that she met Tito Jackson, a member of the legendary Jackson 5.

Although Tito was part of a famous family, he had a reserved personality that complemented Ambria’s vivacious spirit.

Their relationship blossomed quickly, and they fell in love despite the skepticism of those around them.

 

Ambria’s relationship with Tito Jackson brought her into the orbit of one of the most famous families in the world.

Despite the pressures that came with being associated with the Jacksons, Ambria embraced her role within the family.

She became close with Michael Jackson and the rest of the Jackson clan, creating bonds that would last a lifetime.

However, as Tito continued to pursue his music career, the couple faced challenges.

The demands of fame took a toll on their relationship, and they eventually divorced.

Despite the end of their marriage, Ambria remained a beloved figure within the Jackson family, known for her warmth and caring nature.

After her marriage to Tito ended, Ambria found herself navigating the complexities of gang culture in Chicago.

While she was not an active gang member, she was deeply entrenched in the lifestyle, spending time in neighborhoods associated with various gangs, including STL EBT and THF (Trigger Happy Family).

Her ability to connect with individuals from different backgrounds made her a well-liked figure in the streets.

Ambria’s popularity, however, came with its own set of challenges.

As she became more entrenched in the gang culture, she also became a target for rivalry and jealousy.

Her reputation as the “Backdoor Queen” emerged, a title that suggested she had connections that could be exploited.

This label, while empowering to some, also made her vulnerable to the dangers of the street life she was part of.

In 2013, tensions began to rise between the various factions in Chicago’s gang landscape.

A series of violent incidents, including the tragic death of a 13-year-old boy named Taekquin Tyler, highlighted the dangerous environment in which Ambria lived.

The fallout from these events led to a fracture between STL EBT and Gyro City, with Ambria caught in the middle.

As violence escalated in the streets, Ambria found herself increasingly isolated.

Although she was well-liked, the relationships she had built began to fracture as allegiances shifted and rivalries intensified.

The pressure of living in a world where loyalty was paramount weighed heavily on her, and she began to slow down her activities, focusing more on her son, Angelo, whom she had given birth to in 2014.

Despite the challenges she faced, Ambria was determined to be a good mother to Angelo.

She worked multiple jobs to provide for him and shielded him from the dangers of her environment.

Her commitment to motherhood was unwavering, and she strived to create a stable and loving home for her son.

In 1994, Ambria began a new relationship with Don Bohanna, a businessman who had a successful career and a commitment to community service.

Their connection was strong, and Ambria embraced Don’s family, including his daughters.

However, her sons felt uneasy about Don, sensing a coldness in his demeanor that contrasted with Ambria’s warmth.

Despite their concerns, Ambria continued her relationship with Don, and the couple enjoyed a life filled with shared interests.

On a fateful night in August 1994, Ambria’s life took a tragic turn.

After spending an evening with Don, preparing dinner and enjoying each other’s company, the night ended in horror.

Around 3:30 a.m., a 911 call was made from Don’s home, reporting an emergency.

When authorities arrived, they found Ambria unresponsive near the pool, and Don was intoxicated, struggling to recount the events leading to the incident.

Ambria was rushed to the hospital, but despite the efforts of medical personnel, she was pronounced dead.

The news devastated her family and friends, particularly her sons, who were on the brink of launching their own musical careers.

The pain of losing their mother, who had always supported their dreams, felt insurmountable.

 

In the aftermath of Ambria’s death, questions surrounding the circumstances began to emerge.

Don Bohanna claimed that Ambria had accidentally drowned while swimming in the pool.

However, the details he provided raised suspicions.

An autopsy revealed that Ambria had a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit and had sustained over fifty injuries, including signs of blunt force trauma.

Despite these findings, the initial cause of death was listed as undetermined, leading to public outcry from Ambria’s family.

The Jackson family believed that Don was responsible for Ambria’s death and pressed authorities to investigate further.

They were determined to seek justice for Ambria and uncover the truth behind her tragic passing.

The media frenzy surrounding the case intensified, with the Jackson family’s prominence in the entertainment industry drawing significant attention to the investigation.

As the investigation unfolded, the Jackson family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Don Bohanna.

Accusations of domestic violence and financial desperation emerged, complicating the narrative further.

Don’s defense maintained that Ambria’s drowning was a tragic accident, but the Jackson family remained adamant in their belief that Don had a history of abusive behavior.

The case gained national attention, especially given the Jackson family’s high profile.

Michael Jackson, aware of the media’s intrusive nature, took his nephews into hiding to shield them from the press.

The family faced immense pressure as they navigated the legal battles, all while dealing with the emotional toll of losing Ambria.

In 1996, the case was reopened by prosecutor Laurie Ann Jones, who presented new evidence that led to a reevaluation of the autopsy findings.

The medical examiner changed the cause of death from undetermined to assisted drowning, suggesting that Ambria had been murdered.

This revelation prompted authorities to charge Don Bohanna with second-degree murder in 1997.

The trial that followed was highly publicized, drawing attention from fans and media alike.

Don Bohanna’s defense team, which included high-profile lawyers, attempted to discredit the prosecution’s case.

They argued that Ambria had been learning to swim and that her death was a tragic accident.

However, the prosecution presented evidence suggesting otherwise.

As the trial progressed, the Jackson family attended court proceedings, hoping for justice for Ambria.

They faced a rollercoaster of emotions as they listened to testimonies and evidence presented in court.

The prosecution argued that Don’s actions led to Ambria’s death, while the defense maintained that it was an unfortunate accident.

Ultimately, the jury found Don guilty, sentencing him to 15 years to life in prison.

The verdict brought a sense of relief to the Jackson family, who felt that justice had been served.

However, the pain of losing Ambria lingered, and her sons struggled to cope with the void left in their lives.

Following the trial, the Jackson family continued to honor Ambria’s memory.

Her sons, now navigating their own musical careers as the group 3T, established the Ambria Collins Foundation to support children dealing with grief and trauma through music therapy.

They believed in the power of music to heal and wanted to create a legacy in their mother’s honor.

Ambria’s impact on her family and community remained evident as they worked to carry forward the lessons she instilled in them.

The local baseball field where Ambria had watched her sons play little league was renamed in her honor, ensuring that her spirit would continue to resonate within the community.

Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding her death, Ambria Collins’s legacy lived on through her children and the charitable work they continued in her name.

Her story serves as a reminder of the complexities of love, loss, and the enduring bonds of family.

 

 

Ambria Collins’s life was marked by love, family, and tragedy.

As a devoted mother and cherished member of the Jackson family, she left an indelible mark on those who knew her.

Her untimely death raised questions that lingered long after her passing, prompting investigations and legal battles that captivated the public’s attention.

While the pain of losing Ambria remains, her legacy continues to inspire those who seek to honor her memory through acts of kindness and compassion.

In the end, Ambria Collins was more than just a name associated with the famous Jackson family; she was a beloved figure whose spirit lives on in the hearts of her family and those she touched throughout her life.

Her story is a testament to the complexities of human relationships and the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of many.

As her sons continue to navigate their careers and personal lives, they carry with them the love and lessons imparted by their mother, ensuring that her memory endures for generations to come.