Jefferson City, MO– Christopher Collings, a Missouri man convicted of murdering and sexually assaulting a 9-year-old girl, has been executed.
On Tuesday, Collings, 49, was executed by lethal injection for the 2007 murder of 9-year-old Rowan Ford.
Officials have confirmed that he was pronounced dead at 6:10 p.m. CST. The execution happened at the state prison in Bonne Terre, Mo.
“Right or wrong I accept this situation for what it is,” Collings wrote in his last statement. “To anyone that I have hurt in this life I am sorry. I hope that you are able to get closure and move on. Regardless which side of this situation that you are on. You are in my prayers and I hope to see you in heaven one day.”
This week, Missouri Governor Mike Parsons announced that the execution would proceed as scheduled, following the denial of an appeal by Collings’ attorney from the state’s highest court, according to the Associated Press. The highest court in the land turned down a final plea to consider his case.
“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,” Parson said. “The State of Missouri will carry out Mr. Collings’ sentence according to the Court’s order and deliver justice.”
In November 2007, Collings was involved in the abduction, assault, and killing of Ford, subsequently disposing of her remains in a sinkhole close to Powell, Mo, as stated by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey.
“Collings also burned the rope he used to strangle the victim, the blood-stained clothing he wore during the attack, and his blood-stained mattress,” the statement added. Collings ultimately confessed to police and was found guilty of first-degree murder.
Authorities reported that Collings and Ford were acquainted, as he had resided with her and her family for several months, during which Ford referred to him as “Uncle Chris.”
David Spears, the stepfather of Ford, has confessed to the sexual assault and murder of the girl, although Collings refuted any involvement of Spears in the crime, referencing officials. Spears served more than seven years behind bars after accepting a plea deal for a reduced charge.
More Missouri News:
- Missouri Couple Performed Circumcision on Young Boy at Home; Charged after Boy Brought to Hospital with Excessive Bleeding
- Missouri Man Arrested at a Traffic Stop after Molestation Victim Reported Abuse to Authorities
Attorneys for Collings presented a clemency petition, asserting that the convicted murderer suffered from a brain abnormality leading to significant impairments in awareness, judgment, deliberation, behavior, social inhibition, and emotional regulation, according to the AP. It was also asserted that Collings experienced abuse during childhood.
As reported by the AP, Collings marked the 23rd execution in the United States for this year.
For more Missouri news and updates, follow Honk News