Michael L. Parson, 57th Governor of Missouri | Missouri Gov. Michael Parson
Michael L. Parson, 57th Governor of Missouri | Missouri Gov. Michael Parson
Governor Mike Parson of Missouri announced that the state will proceed with the execution of Chris Collings on December 3, 2024. The Supreme Court of Missouri ordered this sentence to be carried out.
"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," Governor Parson stated. "The State of Missouri will carry out Mr. Collings’ sentence according to the Court's order and deliver justice."
Chris Collings was convicted for the abduction, rape, and murder of nine-year-old Rowan Ford. He confessed to law enforcement officers several times about committing these acts, which included strangling Ford with chicken wire before disposing of her body in a sinkhole. Evidence supporting his confession was discovered at his home.
Throughout various judicial reviews, including those by the state trial court, Missouri Supreme Court, federal district court, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, and United States Supreme Court, neither his conviction nor his sentence has been overturned.