Missouri Executes Christopher Collings for 2007 Rape and Murder of 9-Year-Old Rowan Ford

Collings, 49, expressed remorse before his execution by lethal injection, marking the 23rd U.S. execution of 2024 and the fourth in Missouri.

Christopher Collings was executed on December 3, 2024, for the 2007 rape and murder of 9-year-old Rowan Ford in Stella, Missouri.
Collings confessed to abducting Rowan from her home, raping her, and strangling her after she recognized him, later disposing of her body in a cave.
Rowan Ford, described as a shy but vibrant child, was reported missing by her mother, sparking a community-wide search before her body was discovered a week later.
Missouri Governor Michael Parson denied clemency, stating the state would deliver justice for Collings' 'horrendous and callous crime.'
Collings, who had a troubled upbringing and struggled with addiction, expressed remorse in his final statement, apologizing to those he had hurt.