Missouri bishops urge state to refrain from executing convicted child-killer next month

[Michie]

Missouri’s bishops are urging the state to forgo executing a Christopher Collings, who was convicted of the 2007 abduction, rape, torture and murder of a 9-year-old girl. Collings is scheduled to be executed on Dec. 3, 2024. | Credit: Courtesy of the Missouri Department of Corrections

Missouri’s bishops are urging the state to forgo executing a man next month who was convicted of the 2007 abduction, rape, torture, and murder of a 9-year-old girl.

Police said Christopher Collings confessed to killing Rowan Ford after raping her on Nov. 3, 2007. The murder took place in rural Stella, Missouri, in the far southwest corner of the state.

Collings’ confession, which became a key piece of evidence at his trial, allegedly took place during an unrecorded conversation with now-deceased Police Chief Clinton Clark. Collings’ attorneys have argued that the prosecution suppressed information about Clark’s alleged criminal history that would have been relevant to the trial.

Continued below.

Missouri bishops urge state not to execute convicted child-killer

Police said Christopher Collings confessed to killing Rowan Ford after raping her on Nov. 3, 2007. The murder took place in rural Stella, Missouri.

www.catholicnewsagency.com

 

[Michie]

U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear Missouri death row case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear a Missouri death row prisoner’s appeal on the eve of his execution date.

www.catholicnewsagency.com

 

[Wolseley]

Missouri’s bishops are urging the state to forgo executing a man next month who was convicted of the 2007 abduction, rape, torture, and murder of a 9-year-old girl.

Well, with all due respect to the bishops, AFAIC he should have been taken out and used to decorate a telephone pole 17 years ago, instead of sitting in a prison where the taxpayers had to provide for his upkeep.

I understand leniency; I do. But I also understand creating a society where decent citizens---and especially innocent children---are safe from these types of criminals.

Collings’ confession, which became a key piece of evidence at his trial, allegedly took place during an unrecorded conversation with now-deceased Police Chief Clinton Clark. Collings’ attorneys have argued that the prosecution suppressed information about Clark’s alleged criminal history that would have been relevant to the trial.

Any attorney who gets a vicious criminal like this released and put back onto the streets to harm more children over some B.S. technicality like this is an individual who is the lowest of the low. "I know you raped and murdered a child, and I know you're guilty as sin---but I'm going try my hardest to make sure you stay free and out of prison so you can do it again."

I really cannot fathom how lawyers that do this can live with themselves. They're just as implicit in all future crimes as their clients are.

 

[RileyG]

I have mixed feelings about the death penalty, to be honest.

 

[Wolseley]

I have mixed feelings about the death penalty, to be honest.

And that's fine. I'm speaking only for myself.

It's probably good that most people don't think like me, TBH......

 

[RileyG]

And that's fine. I'm speaking only for myself.

It's probably good that most people don't think like me, TBH......

I hope he comes to repentance, but if he chooses to reject the grace and mercy of God’s, that’s on him.

 

[Markie Boy]

It's not an easy decision - but look at the crime committed. I'm with Wolseley. Way too many crimes like this with way too soft of punishment.

Far as I think - if you commit a sex crime you should be "fixed" so there is no such thing as repeat offenders. A case like this, it took way too long for justice. I don't think the bishops have much credibility left to chime in.