State to Carry Out Execution of Chris Collings

DECEMBER 2, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Parson confirmed that the State of Missouri will carry out the sentence of Chis Collings on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, as ordered by the Supreme Court of Missouri.

"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 said. "The State of Missouri will carry out Mr. Collings’ sentence according to the Court's order and deliver justice."

Collings abducted nine-year-old Rowan Ford, raped her, and strangled her with chicken wire before throwing her into a sinkhole. Collings confessed to this abhorrent offense multiple times to numerous law enforcement officers, and evidence matching his statements was found at his residence. There is not and never has been any doubt about Collings’ involvement or the heinousness of his crimes. Nor has Collings’ conviction or sentence ever been reversed on appeal. Collings’ case has been reviewed in the state trial court, Missouri Supreme Court, federal district court, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, and United States Supreme Court.