Missouri executed Christopher Collings for the 2007 murder of Rowan Ford

Missouri executed 49-year-old Christopher Collings on Tuesday evening at the Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Bonne Terre. Collings was convicted of the 2007 rape and murder of nine-year-old Rowan Ford in Stella, Missouri. He was pronounced dead at 6:10 p.m. after being given a single fatal injection of pentobarbital.

Collings’ execution is the fourth in Missouri this year and the 23rd nationwide. Only Alabama and Texas carried out more executions in 2024, six and five, respectively.

The Missouri Department of Corrections reported that Colling’s last meal included a bacon cheeseburger, breaded mushrooms, tater tots and a chef’s salad. Rev. Dr. Kristen Leslie, Collings’ spiritual advisor, was present during his final moments.

Before his execution, Collings made the following statement:

“Right or wrong, I accept this situation as it is. To everyone I have hurt in this life, I am sorry. I hope you can find closure and move on. No matter what side of this situation you are on, I am praying for you and hope to see you in heaven one day.”

Collings’ appeals for clemency from Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and the U.S. Supreme Court were rejected. Governor Parson stated: “We hope that everyone who knew and loved Rowan finds peace in the knowledge that justice has been served.”

Rowan Ford, a fourth-grade student described as hard-working and cheerful, was living in her home with her mother, Colleen Munson, and stepfather, David Spears, at the time of the crimes. Court documents revealed that Collings, a family friend, admitted to kidnapping Rowan in his sleep, taking him to his RV and attacking him.

During the execution, 44 people gathered outside the prison to protest against the use of the death penalty.

Three other people – Marcellus Williams, David Hosier and Brian Dorsey – were executed in Missouri earlier this year.

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