Murder Of Rowan Ford
Child Rape and Murder Case
CLASSIFICATION: Murder
LOCATION
Stella, Missouri
TIME PERIOD
2007
VICTIMS
1 confirmed
On November 3, 2007, nine-year-old Rowan Damia Ford was reported missing from her home in Stella, Missouri. After a six-day search, her body was discovered in a cave in McDonald County, showing signs of having been raped and strangled. Two suspects were arrested: Christopher Leroy Collings, a family friend, and David Wesley Spears, Ford's stepfather. In 2012, Collings was convicted of murder and sentenced to death, while Spears received an 11-year sentence for endangering the welfare of a child and covering up the crime. Collings was executed by lethal injection on December 3, 2024, concluding the case.
Many believe that Christopher Leroy Collings and David Wesley Spears conspired together in the abduction, rape, and murder of Rowan Ford, with some speculating that Spears, as her stepfather, may have had a more significant role in the crime than initially perceived. There are theories suggesting that the crime was premeditated, given the close relationship the suspects had with the victim. Additionally, some community members question whether there were other individuals involved or if there were missed opportunities by law enforcement to prevent Ford's murder.
The Tragic Case of Rowan Ford
The Disappearance
On a quiet night in Stella, Missouri, the life of nine-year-old Rowan Damia Ford was tragically cut short. Born on April 11, 1998, in San Diego, California, Rowan was a cheerful fourth-grader known for her bright spirit. On November 3, 2007, she vanished from her home, leaving her family and community in shock and despair.
Rowan’s mother, Colleen Munson, discovered her daughter's disappearance early that morning. Despite frantic searches by local police and the FBI, Rowan remained missing for six long days. Investigators quickly suspected foul play was involved, a suspicion that would soon be confirmed in the most heartbreaking manner.
The Gruesome Discovery
On November 9, 2007, Rowan's lifeless body was found deep inside a cave in rural McDonald County, Missouri. The scene was harrowing: she was partially covered with leaves and debris, naked from the waist down, and bore a ligature mark on her neck. An autopsy later revealed that Rowan had been raped and strangled to death. Her tragic end sent ripples of sorrow and outrage through the community.
The Suspects
The investigation led to two arrests: Christopher Leroy Collings, a 32-year-old family friend, and David Wesley Spears, Rowan’s 25-year-old stepfather. Collings had lived with Rowan's family during the summer and had become a figure of trust in the young girl's eyes, affectionately known to her as "Uncle Chris." By late October 2007, Collings had moved to his family's farm in Wheaton, Missouri, living in a trailer there. Meanwhile, Spears had been a constant presence in Rowan's life as her stepfather.
Both men confessed to their involvement in the crime. Collings admitted to abducting Rowan after a night of heavy drinking, taking her to his trailer where the unspeakable acts took place. Overcome with fear when Rowan saw his face, Collings used a coil of "chicken house rope" to strangle her, extinguishing her young life. Spears, who confessed to aiding in the disposal of Rowan's body, reported her missing to authorities, initially suggesting she might be at a friend's house. His suspicious behavior during the search made him an immediate suspect, leading to his arrest alongside Collings.
The Aftermath of Discovery
Following the arrests, Rowan’s mother filed for divorce, and the community gathered to mourn the loss of a beloved child at a funeral service in Neosho, Missouri. Remembrances of Rowan as a star student who was adored by her peers and teachers filled the air.
Criminal Proceedings
Charged with first-degree murder, forcible rape, and statutory rape, both Collings and Spears faced a grim legal battle. In May 2008, prosecutors announced their intention to seek the death penalty against both men. Collings waived his right to a preliminary hearing, setting the stage for a separate trial in Phelps County. Spears was tried separately in Barry County.
During his trial in March 2012, the jury was presented with overwhelming evidence, including Collings’ videotaped confession. Despite defense pleas citing Collings' mental health issues and troubled upbringing, the jury found him guilty of first-degree murder on March 20, 2012. Three days later, they sentenced him to death, describing Rowan’s murder as "outrageously and wantonly vile."
For Spears, the prosecution eventually dropped the murder charges, citing insufficient evidence of his direct involvement. Instead, he pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child and hindering prosecution, receiving an 11-year sentence. With credit for time served, Spears was released in 2015.
Appeals and Execution
Collings' appeals journey was long and ultimately futile. His attempts to overturn his death sentence were dismissed by both the Missouri Supreme Court and federal courts. On August 13, 2024, the Missouri Supreme Court scheduled his execution for December 3, 2024.
In the weeks leading up to his execution, appeals for clemency, highlighting the moral arguments against capital punishment, were made to Governor Mike Parson. However, they were denied. On the eve of his execution, Rowan’s sister, Ariane Macks, expressed her belief that Collings deserved his fate, though she harbored a preference for a harsher execution method.
On December 3, 2024, Christopher Leroy Collings was executed by lethal injection. In his final moments, he expressed remorse, acknowledging the pain he had caused. His death marked the 23rd execution in the United States that year, leaving eight inmates still on Missouri’s death row.
The Community's Reflection
The murder of Rowan Ford left an indelible mark on her community. Former law enforcement officers who handled the case, like Barry County Sheriff Mick Epperly and Newton County Sheriff Chris Jennings, reflected on the profound impact of this tragic event on their careers and lives. Meanwhile, Spears, now working for the state's public defender office, has remained silent about the execution of his former friend.
In 2019, the harrowing story of Rowan Ford was documented in a book titled "Lost Angels: The Murders of Rowan Ford and Doug Ringler," ensuring that the memory of this innocent girl would not fade from public consciousness.
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Rowan Ford Goes Missing
Nine-year-old Rowan Ford disappears from her home in Stella, Missouri.
Body Found
Rowan Ford's body is discovered in a cave in McDonald County, showing signs of rape and strangulation.
Suspects Arrested
David Wesley Spears, Rowan's stepfather, and Christopher Leroy Collings are arrested in connection with her murder.
Collings Found Guilty
Christopher Leroy Collings is found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Rowan Ford.
Death Sentence for Collings
Collings is sentenced to death for the murder of Rowan Ford.
Spears Pleads Guilty
David Wesley Spears pleads guilty to endangering the welfare of a child and is sentenced to 11 years in prison.
Collings Executed
Christopher Leroy Collings is executed by lethal injection for the murder of Rowan Ford.
On November 3, 2007, nine-year-old Rowan Damia Ford was reported missing from her home in Stella, Missouri. After a six-day search, her body was discovered in a cave in McDonald County, showing signs of having been raped and strangled. Two suspects were arrested: Christopher Leroy Collings, a family friend, and David Wesley Spears, Ford's stepfather. In 2012, Collings was convicted of murder and sentenced to death, while Spears received an 11-year sentence for endangering the welfare of a child and covering up the crime. Collings was executed by lethal injection on December 3, 2024, concluding the case.
Many believe that Christopher Leroy Collings and David Wesley Spears conspired together in the abduction, rape, and murder of Rowan Ford, with some speculating that Spears, as her stepfather, may have had a more significant role in the crime than initially perceived. There are theories suggesting that the crime was premeditated, given the close relationship the suspects had with the victim. Additionally, some community members question whether there were other individuals involved or if there were missed opportunities by law enforcement to prevent Ford's murder.
The Tragic Case of Rowan Ford
The Disappearance
On a quiet night in Stella, Missouri, the life of nine-year-old Rowan Damia Ford was tragically cut short. Born on April 11, 1998, in San Diego, California, Rowan was a cheerful fourth-grader known for her bright spirit. On November 3, 2007, she vanished from her home, leaving her family and community in shock and despair.
Rowan’s mother, Colleen Munson, discovered her daughter's disappearance early that morning. Despite frantic searches by local police and the FBI, Rowan remained missing for six long days. Investigators quickly suspected foul play was involved, a suspicion that would soon be confirmed in the most heartbreaking manner.
The Gruesome Discovery
On November 9, 2007, Rowan's lifeless body was found deep inside a cave in rural McDonald County, Missouri. The scene was harrowing: she was partially covered with leaves and debris, naked from the waist down, and bore a ligature mark on her neck. An autopsy later revealed that Rowan had been raped and strangled to death. Her tragic end sent ripples of sorrow and outrage through the community.
The Suspects
The investigation led to two arrests: Christopher Leroy Collings, a 32-year-old family friend, and David Wesley Spears, Rowan’s 25-year-old stepfather. Collings had lived with Rowan's family during the summer and had become a figure of trust in the young girl's eyes, affectionately known to her as "Uncle Chris." By late October 2007, Collings had moved to his family's farm in Wheaton, Missouri, living in a trailer there. Meanwhile, Spears had been a constant presence in Rowan's life as her stepfather.
Both men confessed to their involvement in the crime. Collings admitted to abducting Rowan after a night of heavy drinking, taking her to his trailer where the unspeakable acts took place. Overcome with fear when Rowan saw his face, Collings used a coil of "chicken house rope" to strangle her, extinguishing her young life. Spears, who confessed to aiding in the disposal of Rowan's body, reported her missing to authorities, initially suggesting she might be at a friend's house. His suspicious behavior during the search made him an immediate suspect, leading to his arrest alongside Collings.
The Aftermath of Discovery
Following the arrests, Rowan’s mother filed for divorce, and the community gathered to mourn the loss of a beloved child at a funeral service in Neosho, Missouri. Remembrances of Rowan as a star student who was adored by her peers and teachers filled the air.
Criminal Proceedings
Charged with first-degree murder, forcible rape, and statutory rape, both Collings and Spears faced a grim legal battle. In May 2008, prosecutors announced their intention to seek the death penalty against both men. Collings waived his right to a preliminary hearing, setting the stage for a separate trial in Phelps County. Spears was tried separately in Barry County.
During his trial in March 2012, the jury was presented with overwhelming evidence, including Collings’ videotaped confession. Despite defense pleas citing Collings' mental health issues and troubled upbringing, the jury found him guilty of first-degree murder on March 20, 2012. Three days later, they sentenced him to death, describing Rowan’s murder as "outrageously and wantonly vile."
For Spears, the prosecution eventually dropped the murder charges, citing insufficient evidence of his direct involvement. Instead, he pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child and hindering prosecution, receiving an 11-year sentence. With credit for time served, Spears was released in 2015.
Appeals and Execution
Collings' appeals journey was long and ultimately futile. His attempts to overturn his death sentence were dismissed by both the Missouri Supreme Court and federal courts. On August 13, 2024, the Missouri Supreme Court scheduled his execution for December 3, 2024.
In the weeks leading up to his execution, appeals for clemency, highlighting the moral arguments against capital punishment, were made to Governor Mike Parson. However, they were denied. On the eve of his execution, Rowan’s sister, Ariane Macks, expressed her belief that Collings deserved his fate, though she harbored a preference for a harsher execution method.
On December 3, 2024, Christopher Leroy Collings was executed by lethal injection. In his final moments, he expressed remorse, acknowledging the pain he had caused. His death marked the 23rd execution in the United States that year, leaving eight inmates still on Missouri’s death row.
The Community's Reflection
The murder of Rowan Ford left an indelible mark on her community. Former law enforcement officers who handled the case, like Barry County Sheriff Mick Epperly and Newton County Sheriff Chris Jennings, reflected on the profound impact of this tragic event on their careers and lives. Meanwhile, Spears, now working for the state's public defender office, has remained silent about the execution of his former friend.
In 2019, the harrowing story of Rowan Ford was documented in a book titled "Lost Angels: The Murders of Rowan Ford and Doug Ringler," ensuring that the memory of this innocent girl would not fade from public consciousness.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
Rowan Ford Goes Missing
Nine-year-old Rowan Ford disappears from her home in Stella, Missouri.
Body Found
Rowan Ford's body is discovered in a cave in McDonald County, showing signs of rape and strangulation.
Suspects Arrested
David Wesley Spears, Rowan's stepfather, and Christopher Leroy Collings are arrested in connection with her murder.
Collings Found Guilty
Christopher Leroy Collings is found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Rowan Ford.
Death Sentence for Collings
Collings is sentenced to death for the murder of Rowan Ford.
Spears Pleads Guilty
David Wesley Spears pleads guilty to endangering the welfare of a child and is sentenced to 11 years in prison.
Collings Executed
Christopher Leroy Collings is executed by lethal injection for the murder of Rowan Ford.