Missouri Inmate Christopher Collings Executed

Christopher Collings, a Missouri death row inmate, was executed by lethal injection on Tuesday for the 2007 rape and murder of nine-year-old Rowan Ford. Before his execution, he expressed remorse in his final statement, saying, 'To anyone that I have hurt in this life I am sorry. I hope that you are able to get closure and move on.' Collings admitted to abducting Rowan from her home, assaulting her, and then strangling her in a panic when she recognized him. His last meal included a bacon cheeseburger and tater tots, and he was visited prior to his death by a spiritual advisor. This execution marks the 23rd in the U.S. this year, and it followed the denial of a stay by the U.S. Supreme Court. Governor Michael Parson stated that Collings received all protections under the law and emphasized the need for justice for the heinous crime committed against Rowan.