Man Sentenced to Execution for Missouri Girl's Murder

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — The Missouri Supreme Court has announced a December execution date for Christopher Collings, who was found guilty of the 2007 rape and murder of 9-year-old Rowan Ford. The execution is set for December 3 at 6 p.m. at the state prison in Bonne Terre. Collings was convicted after Ford went missing from her home in Stella, Missouri, on November 3, 2007, with her body discovered six days later in a cave, showing signs of strangulation. Collings' case has drawn attention due to the heinous nature of the crime, which has haunted the local community for nearly two decades. As the execution date approaches, Collings' attorney has been contacted for comments, but no response has been reported as of yet. This year, Missouri has already carried out two executions, with Brian Dorsey executed on April 9 and David Hosier on June 11. Additionally, a third execution is scheduled for September 24 for Marcellus Williams, who maintains his innocence. Williams' case has gained traction as St. Louis County prosecutor Wesley Bell has filed a motion to vacate his sentence, citing new evidence that suggests another individual's DNA was found on the weapon used in the crime. An evidentiary hearing for Williams is set to begin on August 21, highlighting ongoing debates surrounding capital punishment and the integrity of the judicial process in Missouri.