"He went far more peacefully than his victim," Sheriff reflects on justice after Collings execution

KSNK/KODE — Tuesday evening, the state of Missouri executed 49-year-old Christopher Collings for the November 2007 rape and murder of nine-year-old Rowan Ford.

"I can tell you that he went far more peacefully than his victim, Rowan, did," said Sheriff Chris Jennings, Newton County.

The execution by lethal injection occurred at 6:01 p.m. Tuesday.

"At 6:01 p.m., the lethal injection of pentobarbital was administered, at 6:03 p.m. the five-minute timer was set, at 6:10 p.m., Christopher Collings was pronounced dead," said Karen Pojman, MO Department of Corrections.

In the hours leading up to the execution, both Missouri Governor Mike Parson and Attorney General Andrew Bailey confirmed there was no reason to halt the proceedings.

"Collings' final visit was with his spiritual advisor, Kristin Leslie. That took place from 11:03 AM to 12:40 p.m. today. His final meal was served at 10:22 a.m.," said Pojam.

Sheriff Jennings traveled to Bonne Terre to witness the execution alongside about a dozen other witnesses.

"There were four witnesses for the offender in attendance, three members of his legal team as well as his spiritual advisor. There were two witnesses for the victim, and eight witnesses for the state, including four members of the news media," said Pojam.

After Collings’ death, his last statement was released to the media:

"Right or wrong I accept this situation for what it is. To anyone that I have hurt in this life I am sorry. I hope that you are able to get closure and move on. Regardless which side of this situation that you are on. You are in my prayers and I hope to see you in Heaven one day."

Collings will be cremated, and his possessions will be turned over to his legal team.

Speaking after the execution, Sheriff Jennings expressed disappointment with the justice system.

"It is somewhat closure, I suppose, to see this case come to an end. This is some justice. It's only partial justice, but I'll take what I can get," said Sheriff Jennings.