Christopher Collings is scheduled for execution in Missouri on December 3, 2024 for the 2007 murder of Rowan Ford.

UPDATE: CLEMENCY DENIED. Please call Governor Parson to Protest: 573-751-3222

In addition to the profoundly flawed and morally reprehensible nature of the death penalty, Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty has outlined the specific legal failings in Christopher's case:

• VIOLATION OF DUE PROCESS: The State Violated Christopher's due process under Brady v. Maryland for with-holding critical evidence, including the fact that the Chief of Police who obtained the incriminating statements from Mr. Collings had four separate criminal convictions and that the cadaver dog detected evidence that was from someone other than Christopher.
• SENTENCING DISPARITY: Christopher's co-defendent, Rowan's stepfather, confessed to the murder before and led police to the body, but was only tried AFTER Christopher's death sentence was secured. David Spears only got 11 years.

"Beyond the legal and moral arguments, we must also recognize that Chris Collings is not defined solely by his worst actions. He is a beloved father, son, uncle, and friend, and he has forged meaningful relationships during his time at Potosi Correctional Center. Those who know him attest to his capacity for growth, reflection, and human connection. Within the prison community, Chris has become a source of support and kindness to others, demonstrating that even in the darkest places, people can change.

We do not seek to minimize the tragedy of Rowan Ford’s death. Her loss is felt deeply, and our hearts go out to her family and loved ones. However, executing Chris Collings will not bring her back. It will not bring the healing or justice that society hopes to achieve. Instead, it will perpetuate a broken system that devalues human life and fails to recognize the possibility of redemption.

We are not asking for Chris Collings to be set free. We are asking for mercy. We urge you, Governor Parson, to commute his death sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole. In doing so, you can spare him from an irreversible punishment that was obtained in violation of his rights and stand on the side of justice, fairness, and humanity."

Read more at Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty.

In continuing to schedule executions, Missouri makes itself an outlier in its use of the death penalty. In fact, Missouri has been one of only a handful of states that has carried out executions in this decade.

The majority of other states are on a downward trend of executions, and increasingly, states are abolishing the practice altogether, including the southern state of Virginia, which repealed its death penalty law in 2021.

Please sign the petition asking Governor Mike Parson to do everything within his power to stop this execution, including issuing a stay, and seeking a path to clemency in the case.

Petitions will be delivered on your behalf in the days leading up to the execution.