Missouri carried out the execution of Christopher Collings on December 3, 2024, for the heinous 2007 murder of nine-year-old Rowan Ford. The execution took place at the Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Bonne Terre, where Collings was pronounced dead at 6:10 PM following the administration of pentobarbital, a drug commonly used for euthanizing animals. His death came after Governor Mike Parson and the U.S. Supreme Court denied his clemency petitions, leaving no avenue for appeal.
The tragedy of Rowan's murder unfolded on November 3, 2007, when she was reported missing by her mother, Colleen Munson, after failing to return home from school. Investigators later discovered Rowan had been abducted and brutally assaulted by Collings, who was known to the family as he had previously lived with them. This crime shocked the small community of Stella, where Rowan's innocence and the violent nature of her death left many grappling with grief and anger.
According to court records, Collings was at the home of Rowan’s stepfather, David Spears, drinking with another friend, Nathan Mahurin. While Ford was asleep, the men moved to Collings' trailer, abandoning Rowan at her home after allegedly leaving her unattended. Collings later claimed he abducted Rowan after panicking when she recognized him. He admitted to using a cord to strangle her when she reacted frightfully, testifying against his own intentions, stating he had not meant to kill her initially.
The aftermath of the crime sent shockwaves through Missouri as authorities undertook extensive search efforts to locate Rowan, who would eventually be found deceased six days later, concealed within the confines of a cave. The community rallied together during this difficult time, hoping for her safe return, only to be met with the heartbreaking reality of her death.
During the lengthy legal proceedings, both Collings and Spears were implicated. While Collins confessed to the acts of violence, including the details leading to Rowan's tragic death, discrepancies also emerged between their narratives, painting the picture of a deeply troubling night filled with horrific choices.
Spears took a plea deal for lesser charges and served over seven years in prison, leaving many to wonder about his true involvement. Meanwhile, Collings sought clemency through various arguments, including claims of childhood abuse and neurodevelopmental deficits influencing his awareness and behavior. Supporters described him as suffering from significant psychological issues stemming from early life trauma.
Despite these attempts, Governor Parson reinforced the severity of the crime stating, "Mr. Collings has received every protection afforded by the Missouri and United States Constitutions, and Mr. Collings' conviction and sentence remain for his horrendous and callous crime." The Governor emphasized the importance of accountability and the necessity for justice for Rowan and her family, echoing the sentiment of many who believe the crime deserves the ultimate consequence.
Collings' execution marked the fourth carried out in Missouri and the 23rd execution across the United States of 2024. According to Missouri Corrections, his final meal consisted of a bacon cheeseburger, breaded mushrooms, tater tots, and chef salad, highlighting the stark finality of life choices and what remains possible even within the confines of prison.
Moments before the lethal injection, Collings expressed apologies, attempting to make amends to those he had harmed during his life. He stated, "Right or wrong, I accept this situation for what it is. To anyone I have hurt, I am sorry. I hope to see you in heaven one day." Such moments evoke reflection on the nature of remorse, perhaps too late, as family and community members gathered outside the prison to mark the end of a long and painful chapter.
This case has not only highlighted the deeply rooted issues surrounding violent crime but also reignited debates about the death penalty and its applicability across the United States, particularly within Missouri, where executions continue against the backdrop of national conversations about justice and rehabilitation.
For many, the aftermath of Rowan Ford’s tragic story remains pervasive, as friends, family, and communities mourn the loss of childhood innocence and grapple with the brutal nature of the crime. While justice was served with the execution of Christopher Collings, there are still many questions left unanswered about societal responsibilities to protect the most vulnerable among us and the human capacity for both violence and redemption.
