Rowan Ford - 9-Year-Old Girl Found Dead [Archive]

odette

11-09-2007, 11:14 PM

Missing 9-Year-Old Southwest Missouri Girl Found Dead

todaysthv - Lindsey Clark - 11/9/2007

A 9-year-old southwest Missouri girl missing for a week has been found dead in a sinkhole in eastern McDonald County.

Newton County Sheriff Ken Copeland said the body of Rowan Ford was found on private land near Powell, about 10 miles south of her hometown of Stella, a village of about 200 people.

Authorities are still determining how the girl died, but Copeland said they're sure it's a homicide. He declined to elaborate. — continued

http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=55975

odette

11-09-2007, 11:19 PM

Police Make Arrests Shortly After Body's Discovery

Authorities Investigate Girl's Death as a Homicide; Suspects Not Named

abcnews.go.com - By DAVID SCHOETZ - Nov. 9, 2007

Police announced Friday night they have arrested two men in the disappearance and death of nine-year-old Rowan Ford.

Ford's body was identified by authorities Friday morning after she disappeared a week ago in Missouri. — continued

Excerpt: Newton County Sheriff Ken Copeland told ABC News that Ford was last seen one week ago by her stepfather, David Spears, who told authorities that he last saw the girl at 10:45 p.m. the previous Friday.

Spears then left the house with two friends until around midnight, during which time the fourth-grade girl was left alone in their unlocked Stella, Mo., home. Spears told investigators that he did not check on the girl before going to bed.

http://i7.tinypic.com/8au6dyq.jpg
Nine-year-old Rowan Ford's body was found Friday morning
10 miles south of her hometown. Ford was first reported
missing Saturday evening.
(Newton County Sheriff's Office)

http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=3843172&page=1

odette

11-09-2007, 11:31 PM

Two are in custody for kidnapping, murder of girl

ky3.com - Nov 9, 2007

NEOSHO, Mo. -- Newton County Sheriff Ken Copeland said Friday night that two people are in custody and likely to be charged for the kidnapping and murder of Rowan Ford. The 9-year-old girl disappeared from her home in Stella a week ago and searchers found her body on Friday morning.

Copeland says the evidence now indicates Rowan was taken between midnight and 1 a.m. on Nov. 3 after her stepfather left her alone, sleeping in her bed, and went out with some buddies. Copeland said it appears Rowan was killed in Barry County and her body was dumped in a sinkhole in a remote location in McDonald County. — continued

http://i20.tinypic.com/zlvipv.gif »
http://www.ky3.com/news/local/11163411.html

odette

11-09-2007, 11:33 PM

UPDATE: Step-father of Rowan Ford, 32-year-old Wheaton man arrested in connection with death of missing Stella girl; charges pending

neoshodailynews.com - Todd G. Higdon - November 9, 2007 10:19 PM CST

A release by Barry County Sheriff's Department states that two men, one being step-father David Spears, have been arrested in connection with the death of Rowan Ford, the missing 9-year-old girl from Stella whose body was founded Friday morning near Powell.

The other person arrested is a 32-year-old Wheaton man. Both are in custody in the Barry County Jail pending formal charges. They are in Barry County because that is where officials believe the alleged murder of Rowan Ford took place. Charges could be filed as early as Saturday. — continued

http://www.neoshodailynews.com/articles/2007/11/09/news/0001update.txt

odette

11-09-2007, 11:45 PM

Mother speaks out on death of Rowan Ford

neoshodailynews.com - Todd G. Higdon - November 9, 2007

STELLA - As she sat on her front porch, Colleen Spears cuddled a teddy bear.

"I have named this bear Rowan," Colleen said. — continued

http://i16.tinypic.com/8amoro3.jpg
Colleen Spears, mother of Rowan Ford, 9, who had been missing
since Saturday before authorities found her body Friday morning
near Powell, hugs a teddy bears Friday afternoon. She has named
the bear, Rowan.
DAILY NEWS / TODD G. HIGDON

http://www.neoshodailynews.com/articles/2007/11/09/breaking_news/001motherreax.txt

odette

11-09-2007, 11:54 PM

Girl's Stepdad Denies Involvement in Disappearance

kspr.com - Brad Belote - Nov 9, 2007

The stepfather of 9-year-old Rowan Ford denies any role in her death. David Spears left her alone Friday night when he went out with friends.

Law enforcement officials have said they are bothered by inconsistencies in Spears' account of that night and the following day. — continued

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http://i20.tinypic.com/zlvipv.gif »
http://www.kspr.com/news/local/11159211.html

odette

11-09-2007, 11:59 PM

Rowan Ford: Complete Interviews with Sheriff, FBI

kspr.com - Brad Belote - Nov 9, 2007

Law enforcement in Newton & McDonald Counties announced a deputy found the body of nine-year-old Rowan Ford Friday morning. — continued

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http://www.kspr.com/news/local/11160496.html

odette

11-10-2007, 12:18 AM

http://i9.tinypic.com/6o1nvrp.png

http://i20.tinypic.com/zlvipv.gif » Officers find Rowan Ford's body (http://www.kspr.com/news/local/11145571.html)

http://i20.tinypic.com/zlvipv.gif » Rowan Ford's Mom Speaks Out (http://www.kspr.com/news/local/11100201.html)

odette

11-10-2007, 12:28 AM

FIRST TV INTERVIEW: Stepfather regrets leaving missing girl alone

ky3.com - Paula Morehouse - Nov 9, 2007

http://i13.tinypic.com/8fnrdhl.jpg

http://i20.tinypic.com/zlvipv.gif » Stepfather regrets leaving missing girl alone (http://transcoder.shadowtv.com/stations/flvviewer.jsp?url=http://depository.shadowtv.net/media/137/2007/312/12/11982_137_20071108_122642_web%20extra%20david%20sp ears.flv)

http://www.ky3.com/news/local/11100216.html

odette

11-10-2007, 12:39 AM

FBI says sheet taken from missing girl's room may be clue

ky3.com - Sara Sheffield - Nov 8, 2007

STELLA, Mo. -- The FBI outlined some new details on Tuesday about the search for a 9-year-old girl whom no one has reported seeing since Friday night. Investigators said a sheet that disappeared from the room of Rowan Ford may be a critical clue.

http://i20.tinypic.com/zlvipv.gif »
http://www.ky3.com/news/local/11106921.html

odette

11-10-2007, 12:41 AM

Mother of missing girl takes lie detector test

ky3.com - David Catanese - Nov 8, 2007

NEOSHO, Mo. -- It's been nearly a week since family members of a child in Newton County have seen their little girl. Rowan Ford, 9, disappeared sometime after she went to bed on Friday night at her home in Stella.

http://i20.tinypic.com/zlvipv.gif »
http://www.ky3.com/news/local/11121476.html

odette

11-10-2007, 12:49 AM

50 FBI Agents Aid In Search For Missing Girl

nwaonline.net - Gerald Elkins - November 6, 2007

NEOSHO, Mo. -- A reported 50 agents from the FBI are helping search for Rowan Ford, a 9-year-old girl missing from her Stella, Mo., home since Saturday.

Newton County (Mo.) Sheriff Ken Copeland said the FBI will provide forensics equipment his department doesn't have. — continued

Excerpt: "We certainly suspect there is foul play involved," said Copeland. No suspects have been named. "We haven't eliminated anyone as a suspect," the sheriff said.

Copeland also said David Spears, the girl's stepfather, was uncooperative early in the investigaion.

Copeland said the girl went to bed at 8:30 Friday night, according to her stepfather, who checked on her at 10:45 p.m. Spears returned at midnight but did not check on the girl, Copeland said.

Spears called his mother to come over and she arrived at about 1:30 a.m. Nov. 4, but she didn't check on the girl either, the sheriff said.

Spears left in his mother's car soon after she arrived, returning at 7 a.m., according to Sheriff Copeland. Spears' mother then left the house.

Copeland said where Spears went in the car is unknown.

http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2007/11/06/news/110707momissgirl.txt

odette

11-10-2007, 12:53 AM

Mother of missing Missouri girl: ‘Never, ever leave your kids alone’

kansascity.com - AP - Wed, Nov. 07

STELLA, Mo. | Searchers continued to comb the rugged Ozarks countryside Wednesday for a 9-year-old girl last seen in her bed Friday night, while the girl’s distraught mother warned other parents to keep tabs on their children.

Rowan Ford was reported missing Saturday after her mother, Colleen Spears, returned home from a night shift at a Wal-Mart in a nearby town and found the girl had disappeared. Rowan’s stepfather, David Spears, told investigators he last saw the girl asleep in her room around 10:45 p.m. Friday before he left her alone and went out with friends. — continued

http://www.kansascity.com/news/breaking_news/story/350915.html

odette

11-10-2007, 12:58 AM

More than 200 attend vigil for missing girl

joplinglobe.com - Linda Greer - November 06, 2007

STELLA, Mo. — Bundled in winter coats and gloves, more than 200 supporters carried candles up and down Stella’s hilly streets Tuesday night, singing hymns and praying for 9-year-old Rowan Ford, who was been missing since late Friday or early Saturday.

“This town needs that little girl back,” said Neosho resident Connie Moser, the vigil’s organizer. “She could be cold and hungry. We all need to pray for her.”

Rowan, a Triway Elementary School fourth-grader who was last seen at her home at 10:45 p.m. Friday, was reported missing at 6:50 p.m. Saturday by her mother, Colleen Spears.

Flanked by two friends and clutching a fuzzy, brown teddy bear, Spears sobbed as she climbed the hill toward her house at 777 Grove St. — continued

http://www.joplinglobe.com/local/local_story_310224838.html

odette

11-10-2007, 01:06 AM

Community pulls together to search for Rowan Ford

neoshodailynews.com - Todd G. Higdon - November 5, 2007

STELLA - Stella and the surrounding area came together to search for Rowan Ford Sunday.

"The last time I saw her was 8:30 p.m., Friday," said Rowan's mother, Colleen. "I gave her a hug and a kiss. I told her goodnight and sweet dreams. That was our whole nighttime routine. She went up to get ready for bed."

Shortly after the kiss goodnight, Colleen left for work at the Jane Wal-Mart. She returned home the next day.

"I came in around 10 minutes to 9 a.m. Saturday and went to the bathroom," said Colleen. "A lot of times she (Rowan) will open the door (to see me), when I would pull up, sometimes she would wait until I was out of the bathroom."

Not seeing her daughter, Colleen went into her bedroom to check on her. She was not there.

"I then woke him (David Spears, Colleen's husband and Rowan's stepfather) up, because he was sleeping on the couch, and asked him if she went to someone's house," Colleen said. — continued

http://www.neoshodailynews.com/articles/2007/11/05/news/02stella.txt

odette

11-10-2007, 01:12 AM

Copeland suspects foul play in child's disappearance

neoshodailynews.com - John Ford - November 5, 2007

Excerpt: Copeland said the stepfather, David Spears, and two friends remained at the home until about 10:45 p.m. when they left the home after David Spears checked on the girl, who was still asleep.

"They leave the house unlocked and left a 9-year-old girl by herself," Copeland said. "They cruise around a while, then took one guy home in Wheaton. The other guy brought the step-dad back home around midnight. He failed to check on the girl at that time."

Around 1:30 a.m., Copeland said, David Spears called his mother to ask if he could borrow her car to go somewhere.

"She comes over, gives him the car and goes into the living room, failing to check on the girl," the sheriff said. "About 7 he returns and again fails to check on the girl."

http://www.neoshodailynews.com/articles/2007/11/05/news/01missing.txt

odette

11-10-2007, 01:21 AM

Authorities Arrest Two in Girl's Death

ap.google.com - MARCUS KABEL – 56 minutes ago

NEOSHO, Mo. (AP) — The stepfather of a 9-year-old girl whose body was found Friday in a hillside cave in southwest Missouri was arrested in her death, authorities said.

Newton County Sheriff Ken Copeland said 24-year-old David Spears was arrested in the death of Rowan Ford.

"The stepfather was a possible suspect," Copeland told The Associated Press. "I will confirm that he has been arrested, as well as one of his friends." — continued

http://i8.tinypic.com/8e0z7l2.jpg
Colleen Spears of Stella, Mo., mother of the missing girl Rowan Ford, cries as one of her managers, Brian Seay, co-manager of the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Jane, Mo., comforts her Wednesday , Nov. 7, 2007, in front of Spears' home. An unidentified acquaintance looks on from behind. (AP Photo/T. Rob Brown)

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jHjvw1NOFGPL0mQ-JPqYfuNZF1LgD8SQJTDG0

odette

11-10-2007, 08:53 AM

News of girl's death shocks community

joplinglobe.com - Derek Spellman - November 10, 2007

STELLA, Mo. — She liked to be one of the first ones there.

They would come to the Baptist church in Stella and often see the quiet, brown-haired 9-year-old girl already waiting for worship on both Wednesday and Sunday nights, her trademark blue bicycle close by.

Rowan Ford was a deeply religious girl, right up until the night she was taken from her Stella home sometime late Nov. 2 or early Nov. 3, according to friends and family.

Not long before she saw her daughter for the last time, Colleen Spears said Ford gave her a bookmark with a verse from the Bible. The church that she frequented was just over the hill from Ford’s home, its white clapboard exterior visible through the trees.

“She was memorizing the Bible,” Colleen spears said Friday, hours after she received word that her daughter had been found dead in a sinkhole in McDonald County.

“I know she is with God, and he is taking care of her,” Colleen Spears said. — continued

http://www.joplinglobe.com/local/local_story_314003421.html

odette

11-10-2007, 09:31 AM

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http://i24.tinypic.com/2lk8od0.gif » Slideshow (http://www.kctv5.com/slideshow/news/14535406/detail.html)

odette

11-10-2007, 09:40 AM

KY3 NEWS WEB EXCLUSIVE: Rowan Ford's mother talks about her loss

by Sara Sheffield, KY3 News

http://i16.tinypic.com/6ylqps8.jpg

http://i20.tinypic.com/zlvipv.gif » Coleen Spears learned her 9-year-old daughter's body was found in a sinkhole on Friday. (http://www.ky3.com/home/video/11159601.html)

odette

11-10-2007, 10:04 AM

Rowan Ford 'a very sweet little girl'

gatehousenewsservice.com - Todd G. Higdon - Nov 07, 2007

Stella, Mo. - Walking in the cold air Tuesday night, nearly 200 family, friends, members of the community and even strangers came to show their support for Rowan Ford, 9, during a candlelight vigil.

Excerpt: Making their way around the block, they ended up at 777 Grove St., Rowan’s home. As they walked up the driveway, the participants sang her favorite song, “Old Rugged Cross.”

Hugging a giant teddy bear in her arms, Colleen Spears and Rowan’s two sisters, Janice Shaffer and Ariane Parsons, stood by as the participants shared stories about Rowan.

“She was a very sweet little girl,” said Carolyn Sanders, Rowan’s Sunday School teacher. “She had hugs for everybody. She was very helpful. She is just a loving little girl. She was always happy. She was one of the family.” — continued

Excerpt: “I may not have known Rowan very much, but I know that she loved her mom and her sisters very much,” said one of the young vigil participants, holding back her tears. “Every time I saw her, she had this beautiful smile on her face.”

Joining the memories was Todd Holt, Rowan’s fourth-grade homeroom teacher. He read from a letter from him and the other Triway Elementary fourth-grade teacher, Tammy Marshall.

“On behalf of Mrs. Marshall and I, we would like to thank everyone and their children do as well, for all of their thoughts and prayers for Rowan,” Holt said. “We have always thought of our fourth grade, not as two separate classes, but as one very large family. Our children are not only our students, they literally become our children. We anticipate and will continue Rowan’s safe return.”

Wanting to comment about Rowan, Judy Ennis, stepped forward.

“She is a special girl,” Ennis said. “She would come to church with the biggest smile on her face and she would run into the classroom and wanted to know if I needed any help. She was always there an hour and a half before church would start. She loved to read the Bible. She loved Jesus so much. We are praying to the Lord to bring her home safely.”

http://www.gatehousenewsservice.com/news/x1375678045

odette

11-10-2007, 10:27 AM

Police Arrest Stepfather for Alleged Murder of Missouri Girl

foxnews.com - AP - November 10, 2007

NEOSHO, Mo. — The stepfather of a 9-year-old girl whose body was found Friday in a hillside cave in southwest Missouri was arrested in her death. — continued

Excerpt: A sheriff's deputy from neighboring McDonald County found Rowan's body Friday, checking on a hunch about the small, easily missed cave mouth he knew about from covering the rural area near Powell, about 10 miles south of the girl's home, authorities said.

The manhole-cover-sized gap in the forest floor drops straight down into a deep cave chamber, less than 20 feet from a gravel road but invisible from more than a few feet away.

FBI evidence specialists worked at the scene for about five hours Friday before opening the area to reporters.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,310357,00.html

odette

11-10-2007, 10:57 PM

Two Men Charged with Murder, Rape

kspr.com - Brad Belote - Nov 10, 2007

Barry County prosecutors have charged two men with the rape and murder of 9-year-old Rowan Ford.

David Wesley Spears and Christopher Leroy Collings are charged with first degree murder, forcible rape and statutory rape. — continued

http://www.kspr.com/news/local/11171936.html

odette

11-10-2007, 11:01 PM

Rowan Ford's last few hours

ky3.com - Nov 10, 2007

The same type of cord used to tie-up the goats near Chris Collings camper, allegedly ended Rowan's Ford's life.

"One of them stated because she looked up at him," Sheriff Mick Epperly of Barry County said.
Chris Collings and David Spears allegedly brought her to Collings camper. The sheriff said inside the rundown, dirty camper, the two men raped the 9-year-old.

She reportedly pleaded with them to stop. Investigators believe the two men pulled her out of the camper after they raped her, pulled a cord out of a truck and then strangled her.

"I could not tell you what went through this man's mind at that time," Epperly said, "you know, drinking and drugs and what could go through anybody's mind to sexually abuse a 9-year-old innocent girl. That's just unhuman."

Hearing about Rowan's last moments, Chris Collings's brother gets sick to his stomach.

"I'm just kind of wondering if he ain't covering up for somebody," Greg Horton said.

http://i5.tinypic.com/6po8htj.jpg
Collings Camper

http://i20.tinypic.com/zlvipv.gif »
http://www.ky3.com/news/local/11174516.html

odette

11-10-2007, 11:04 PM

UPDATE: Step-father of Rowan Ford, 32-year-old Wheaton man arrested in connection with death of missing

Stella girl; charges pending

neoshodailynews.com - Todd G. Higdon - November 9, 2007

A release by Barry County Sheriff's Department states that two men, one being step-father David Spears, have been arrested in connection with the death of Rowan Ford, the missing 9-year-old girl from Stella whose body was found Friday morning near Powell.

The other person arrested is a 32-year-old Wheaton man. Both are in custody in the Barry County Jail pending formal charges. They are in Barry County because that is where officials believe the alleged murder of Rowan Ford took place. Charges could be filed as early as Saturday.

According to Newton County Sheriff Ken Copeland, Ford was allegedly kidnapped in Newton County, allegedly murdered in Barry County, and her body was then taken to McDonald County. — continued

http://www.neoshodailynews.com/articles/2007/11/10/news/0001update.txt

odette

11-10-2007, 11:08 PM

Locals familiar with where Rowan Ford was found

ky3.com Nov 10, 2007

As soon as the authorities were able to open up the scene, KY3 News was able to get in and find the sinkhole. It was roughly about 10 feet from Fox Road. It was actually between the road and a barbed wire property fence. — continued

http://i4.tinypic.com/6t0ykwx.jpg
The Sinkhole

http://i20.tinypic.com/zlvipv.gif »
http://www.ky3.com/news/local/11173076.html

odette

11-10-2007, 11:11 PM

KSPR WEB EXTRA: Read the charges against Rowan's accused killers

kspr.com - Michelle Sherwood - Nov 10, 2007

Rowan's stepfather, David Wesley Spears, faces charges of Murder in the First Degree, Forcible Rape, and Statutory Rape in the First Degree. Spears' friend, Christopher Leroy Collings, faces the same charges.

THE FOLLOWING IS A FAIRLY GRAPHIC EXERPT AND SHOULD BE READ WITH CAUTION. THIS IS FROM THE PROBABLE CAUSE AFFIDAVIT RELEASED SATURDAY: — continued

http://www.kspr.com/news/local/11173121.html

odette

11-10-2007, 11:14 PM

Two charged in Rowan Ford's death: WEB EXCLUSIVE Probable Cause Statement

ky3.com - KY3 & Associated Press - Nov 10, 2007

http://i23.tinypic.com/zldtlu.png » Read the Barry County Sherriff's Probable Cause Statement here [PDF]. (http://bimedia.ftp.clickability.com/kytvwebftp/kytv_RowanFordProbableCause.pdf)

Cassville, Mo: 24 year-old David Spears, Rowan's step father, and his friend, 32 year-old Chris Collings are charged with murdering and raping Rowan Ford a week ago. Both men are charged with 1st degree murder, forcible rape with a weapon and statutory sodomy. .....

http://www.ky3.com/news/local/11174551.html

odette

11-11-2007, 12:11 AM

Sheriff says girl was raped, strangled

joplinglobe.com - By Greg Grisolano - November 10, 2007 10:15 pm

STELLA, Mo — Friends and family were struggling Saturday to come to grips in the aftermath of the brutal rape and murder of 9-year-old Rowan Ford.

Authorities on Saturday charged the girl’s stepfather, David Spears, 25, and his friend Chris Collings, 32, of Wheaton, with one count each of first-degree murder, forcible rape and statutory rape.

Friends gathered at the home of the girl’s mother, Colleen Spears, on Saturday.

Stella Mayor Bill Alsop, who answered the phone at the Spears’ home, commented on the charges, saying the town was trying to cope.

“We all in our hearts knew he (Spears) had something to do with it,” said Alsop. “But to this extent, we’re all just in shock. — continued X 3 pages

http://www.joplinglobe.com/local/local_story_314221543.html

odette

11-11-2007, 12:22 AM

Stepfather and friend charged with murder and rape of 9-year-old

kansascity.com - MARCUS KABEL - AP - Nov. 10, 2007

Excerpt: Spears’ mother, Myrna Spears, said her son didn’t have an attorney yet and would likely need a public defender.

She also said in an interview with The Associated Press at her home outside Stella that her son told her from jail on Friday night that he had taken part in the crime. She said her son claimed to have suffered a blackout, and his memories of that night started coming back to him on Friday.

http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/356039.html

odette

11-11-2007, 04:04 AM

Brother: — 'It has been tearing me up'

neoshodailynews.com - Todd G. Higdon - November 11, 2007

WHEATON - Greg Horton could not believe the news about his younger brother, Chris Collings, as he walked on his brother's property a mile east of Wheaton.

Horton arrived on the property Saturday morning, shortly after a press conference by Barry County Sheriff Mick Epperly. Collings is a suspect in the rape and murder of Rowan Ford, 9, of Stella.

"I just don't know, I am just wondering if he ain't covering up for somebody," Horton said. "I just don't see that from him, I really don't."

Collings has three children of his own.

"He really cared for that kid, like she (Rowan) almost looked up to him as a bigger brother," Horton said. — continued

http://www.neoshodailynews.com/articles/2007/11/11/news/02brother.txt

odette

11-11-2007, 05:58 AM

Spouse, friend charged

neoshodailynews.com - Todd G. Higdon - November 11, 2007

Excerpt: According to the Barry County sheriff, the sexual abuse occurred in a small camper, located behind the house on the property.

"We are kind of getting conflicting stories, right at this point. We had both of them stating they both had sexual contact with the 9-year-old girl," Epperly said.

Epperly added one of the men strangled the girl on the property. She was then taken to the sinkhole near Powell. Two McDonald County deputies, Mike Hall and Jake Boles, found the girl's body was found around 8 a.m. Friday.

http://www.neoshodailynews.com/articles/2007/11/11/news/01charges.txt

odette

11-11-2007, 06:07 AM

'A town of family'

neoshodailynews.com - Todd G. Higdon - Sunday, November 11, 2007

Excerpt: "I would like to thank the (Newton County) sheriff's department and the FBI for what they have done," Colleen said. "They found her."

Colleen said she has three families.

"My Wal-Mart family, my Stella family and my family family," she said.

http://www.neoshodailynews.com/articles/2007/11/11/news/001family.txt

odette

11-11-2007, 10:09 PM

http://i14.tinypic.com/87iz7zp.jpg
A memorial for missing Rowan Ford sits in her front
yard in Stella, Mo., on Monday morning, Nov. 5, 2007.
Globe//Roger Nomer

http://i24.tinypic.com/2lk8od0.gif » Slideshow (http://www.joplinglobe.com/Rowan_Ford/local_slideshow_313131848?keyword=secondarystory)

odette

11-11-2007, 10:32 PM

Stepfather Charged In Death Of Mo. Girl

9-Year-Old Was Found Dead In A Cave; Adults Charged With Murder And Rape

CBS News - CASSVILLE, Mo., Nov. 10, 2007 - (AP) The stepfather of a 9-year-old girl found dead in a hillside cave and his friend were each charged Saturday with murder and rape. — continued

http://i12.tinypic.com/89hd9he.jpg
Out Of Sight: Missing Kids

Interactive: Out Of Sight — Missing Kids

Get the facts on kidnappings, learn predator profiles and check out resources for locating missing children.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/10/national/main3484898.shtml

odette

11-11-2007, 11:12 PM

Funeral Arrangements for Rowan Ford

Reported by: Stephanie Diffin

Funeral arrangements have been set for Rowan Ford. Her visitation will be on Tuesday night from 5 to 7. It will be at the Clark Funeral Home in Neosho, Missouri. The funeral service will be Wednesday afternoon at 2:00. It will be at the Gospel Lighthouse in Neosho. Stella residents have set up a memorial fund for Rowan. You can make checks payable to the Rowan Ford Memorial Fund. The fund is set up at any Hometown Bank location.

http://fourstateshomepage.com/content/fulltext/?cid=9428

odette

11-11-2007, 11:59 PM

http://i8.tinypic.com/7wh0wmb.jpg

hissister

11-12-2007, 01:56 AM

I'm just shocked by this. You know one of those times when you feel so much emotion inside; but can't find the words to express it? Two grown men against one small child. These men should be tortured; they should feel inflicted physical pain for what they did to Rowan.
"One of them stated because she looked up at him". The eyes of a child being raped by 2 men (one her stepfather) looking up at her rapists. And this "bothered" one of those men, so Rowan was strangled with a rope.
These men should be shown no mercy. To me, simply putting them in prison (for even a maximum sentence) is not good enough.

odette

11-12-2007, 03:38 AM

Sheriff: Men confess to crime

joplinglobe.com - Debbie Robinson - November 11, 2007

Excerpt From Page 2 Of Article: — David Spears, Collings and another man were playing pool at the Spears home in the town of Stella in southern Newton County while Rowan was asleep in her bedroom, Copeland said.

The three men decided to leave at 10:45 p.m. to take Collings home, Copeland said.

“They stopped so a man named Nathan and David could get more beer,” he said.

Copeland said Nathan reportedly dropped David Spears off at the Spears residence.

That’s where the story gets murky, Copeland said.

Authorities said David Spears has acknowledged that he went out a second time around 1:30 a.m. Nov. 3 after calling his mother, Myrna Spears, and asking to borrow her car. Myrna Spears has said she watched television and did not check on the girl. David Spears was gone for 5 1/2 hours.

Copeland said Sunday that David Spears has told investigators that he discovered Rowan missing before he called his mother.

“He said he knew Chris (Collings) would have her (Rowan),” Copeland said.

He said Spears has said that after borrowing his mother’s car, he drove to Collings’ travel trailer, where he alleged that he found Collings raping the girl.

http://www.joplinglobe.com/local/local_story_315234942.html

odette

11-12-2007, 10:56 AM

More charges expected in Rowan Ford murder case

by Abby Wuellner, KY3 News - Nov 12, 2007

AS of Monday morning, David Spears and Chris Collings have each been charged with rape, statutory rape, and first degree murder.

What remains to be seen this week is how authorities will handle kidnapping charges. Those are expected in the next couple of days...

http://i10.tinypic.com/8fjzlmw.jpg

http://i20.tinypic.com/zlvipv.gif »
http://www.ky3.com/news/local/11193411.html

odette

11-12-2007, 11:53 AM

KSPR WEB EXTRA See Accused Killer's MySpace Page

By Michelle Sherwood - Nov 11, 2007

Chris Collings and David Spears, both accused of raping and killing 9-year-old Rowan Ford, have their own MySpace Pages. — continued

http://www.kspr.com/news/local/11188601.html

LatrobeGirl

11-12-2007, 12:37 PM

That sick, fat slob FREAK. They need to castrate him and his buddy, too. I'm sorry....I don't usually advocate violence. But I am sitting here bawling, sobbing, thinking about what they did to that poor baby. I can hardly see my screen for the tears for this sweet child, so brutally abused and then murdered. I have 3 girls, my youngest being ten years old, with long brown hair like Rowan's. When I think about some sick scumbag violating a CHILD, it makes me nauseous, and it makes me furiously angry, so angry I want that fat creep pervert to feel pain, and fear, and feel betrayal....I want him to feel everything that Rowan felt, times one thousand! :cuss:

LatrobeGirl

11-12-2007, 12:43 PM

Here's the other thing....I was reading on the Kansas City Star website this morning about this case...and one poster there said that one of the older daughters of Colleen Spears had moved out because of problems with the stepdad, David Spears, "bothering" her in a sexual way. If that is true, then I cannot fathom how this woman was still with this creep, and left her vulnerable innocent 9-yr old daughter in his care. Why, why, why do these women turn their faces away from what is happening right under their noses?

FDInLaw

11-12-2007, 02:40 PM

This is near where I live and I have not heard a thing about it on the news! :cuss: :flamemad: :cuss:

I'll have to do some reading. . .

Poor Rowen! My heart is just broken! :rose: :rose: :rose:

One2Snoop

11-12-2007, 05:05 PM

OMG! This is so disgusting. That poor little angel. :rose: I do know that Missouri has the death penalty from doing research on the Kelsey Smith case (KS) and I think both these creeps are worthy of it IMO.

http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/state/

State Abbreviation MO
State Name Missouri
Death Penalty? Yes
Number of Executions Since 1976 66
Number of Executions before 1976 285
Current Death Row Population 51
Women on Death Row 0
Date Death Penalty Re-enacted 09-28-1975
1st Execution After Re-enactment 1989
Murder Rate (per 100,000) 6.3
Is Life Without Parole an Option? Yes
Can a defendant get death for a felony in which s/he was not responsible for the murder? No
Number of Innocent Persons Freed From Death Row 3
Number of Clemencies Granted 2
Region Midwest
Method Choice of Injection or Gas
How is the Sentence Determined? Jury
Location of Death Row(s) Mineral Point (Women: Fulton)
Clemency Process Governor has authority to grant clemency with nonbinding advice of Board

odette

11-12-2007, 09:33 PM

Coroner: - Spears led him to site

neoshodailynews - John Ford - November 12, 2007

Newton County Coroner Mark Bridges said David Spears led him to the site where Rowan Ford's body was ultimately discovered the day before that discovery was made.

In a telephone interview this morning, Bridges said he spent last Thursday with Spears, looking at places where a body could be hidden. The first place they checked was the sink hole locally known as Fox's hole. Both men looked in the sink hole, Bridges said.

"I saw some items that brought some suspicions to me," Bridges said. "I wasn't sure what they were. David and I had a conversation about it at that time. It could have been a blanket, it could have been a piece of paper. I haven't seen the list of items that were brought out of that hole. I've been through so much this past week that until I see the recorded transcript - all of our conversations were recorded - but until I see the transcript, I'm not certain.

"I definitely wanted to search the cave and I think, subconsciously, that David did, too. He took me to the cave for some reason." — continued

http://www.neoshodailynews.com/articles/2007/11/12/news/01coroner.txt

odette

11-12-2007, 09:39 PM

Teachers, community members struggle to explain girl's murder

by Marie Saavedra, KY3 News - Nov 12, 2007

STELLA, Mo. -- School leaders explained Monday how they are answering questions from classmates of Rowan Ford. She’s the 9-year-old girl whose body was found in a 20-foot cave on Friday. Rowan’s stepfather, David Spears of Stella, and Spears’ friend, Chris Collings of the Wheaton area, are charged with murder and rape. They could be in court on Tuesday for their first court appearances on those charges.

After the tragic news, teachers at Rowan's school, TriWay Elementary, had to answer tough questions. When talking about this case, it's difficult not to use the word “inhuman.” So the task of helping children understand is a daunting one. It’s even more difficult when the adults in charge have trouble answering the tough questions for themselves.

In the village of Stella, population 200 or less, everyone knows everyone -- at least they thought they did. — continued

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http://www.ky3.com/news/local/11220116.html

odette

11-12-2007, 09:46 PM

Burial costs for Rowan Ford to be covered by funeral home

joplinglobe.com - 11/12/07

Funeral costs for the burial of Rowan Ford, 9, who was murdered and later found in a sinkhole on Friday, will be waived, according to the funeral home in charge of the arrangements.

A memorial fund established in Ford’s memory at Hometown Bank will collect donations for the children’s division of Lafayette House, which provides shelter and counseling for battered women.

http://www.joplinglobe.com/local/local_story_316133615.html

odette

11-12-2007, 10:02 PM

CLARK FUNERAL HOMES

Facts
• Born: April 11, 1998
• Place of Birth: San Diego, California
• Death: November 9, 2007
• Place of Death: Barry County, Missouri
• Occupation: Student at Triway Elementary, 4th grade
• Hobbies: Active in Sunday School & Wednesday night Team Kid & Angel Food Ministries

http://i18.tinypic.com/6oo0p03.jpg
Rowan Damia Ford

Guestbook
Share your thoughts and memories in the guestbook.
Sign the guestbook | Read the guestbook

Click On "Rowan Damia Ford" under Obituaries
http://www.clarkfuneralhomes.com/

odette

11-12-2007, 10:12 PM

Guest Book For Rowan D. Ford At Legacy.Com
http://www.legacy.com/joplinglobe/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=97713723

Obituary
http://www.legacy.com/joplinglobe/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=97713723

lozza

11-12-2007, 10:24 PM

This is my first posting, i have been one of those reading and not contributing, but this story makes me so angry:mad: , what is happening to the world where our children are now in more danger from pedo's than ever before, why are the government bodies that are supposed to help these children just turning a blind eye :shrug: ? Australia has its fair share of child abuse, I reported to DOCS (as they are called in Australia) and the police the abuse of a child that was living behind me, within a week that family had moved, DOCS told me that legally they cannot tell me what happened to that little boy, that was six years ago and i still wonder how he is. I cant understand what grown men find exciting about sexual contact with a child. It is sad that Rowan never got the chance to grow up and if the jails are anything like here, those men will be spending the rest of their lives looking over their shoulder because even in a jail rock spiders are not tolerated.

odette

11-12-2007, 10:37 PM

Murder Suspect's Disturbing MySpace Page http://i15.tinypic.com/6s97bpg.gif (http://ozarksfirst.com/content/fulltext/?cid=13975)

ozarksfirst.com - Angie Weidinger - Nov 12, 2007

A man accused of raping and murdering a nine year old has a web page that is not only disturbing, but some professionals say it's also very telling.

Many people have MySpace pages. They use them as a way to network with friends. But KOLR/KSFX found on Monday, they can also tell much more about those accused of crimes. — continued

http://ozarksfirst.com/content/fulltext/?cid=13975

wind149

11-12-2007, 10:55 PM

What a POS scumbag! To rape and murder your wife's child, how long do you think he had been fixing to do this? I don't give a crap how much alcohol and drugs they did and this should not be used as a defense! I hope they go for the DP on this case and while I don't want to make a judgment against the mother this early ,surely she knew this POS had issues? You can tell just by looking at the fat, slovenly pig that he is a loser? Too many cases where children are caught in the crossfire because their Mama's think more of the loser than they do their own children. I wonder if he had raped her before this and as for his trash friend's brother, hey loser, get a clue! Your brother was raping her too and who knows he might have been the one to strangle her and I don't give a crap if he had ten kids, he violated a child that apparently looked up to the loser and can you imagine the pain and horror this poor angel through? Of course these scumbags are being lodged in PC and will be till the day they get the needle and that is not right. They are housed there for THEIR SAFETY and that makes me sick! They deserve the same treatment by about 20 inmates and save the taxpayer's big bucks to house and feed these rat puke scuzz buckets and all the inmates need is 15 minutes and a mop.

odette

11-12-2007, 10:58 PM

http://i3.tinypic.com/6oora7n.jpg
David Spears

http://ozarksfirst.com/content/fulltext/?cid=13929

odette

11-12-2007, 11:00 PM

http://i16.tinypic.com/6saqe07.jpg
Chris Collings

http://ozarksfirst.com/content/fulltext/?cid=13929

odette

11-12-2007, 11:14 PM

Step-Father and Friend Charged With Murder and Rape of Rowan Ford

ozarksfirst.com - Carlos Correa - Nov 10, 2007

(STELLA, Mo.) -- The man charged with taking care of a little girl is now charged with killing her.

Rowan Ford's step-father and a friend were both charged with raping and murdering the nine-year-old girl. — continued

Excerpt: According to court documents, Ford was brought to Collings' home where she was allegedly raped and then strangled to death.

Authorities say the girl's step-father, David Spears, 24 was not present for the kidnapping, but showed up
later and participated in raping Ford.

You may remember that prior to the arrest, Spears maintained his innocence.

"I would never hurt or do anything to my little girl. You know, anybody who has children understands that feeling. You love them unconditionally. Children, in general are the most important thing in the world," he said.

Investigators say the two men strangled the girl with a cord and then drove Ford's body to McDonald County and left.

"I want him to live with the knowledge of what happened to her every moment of his life because I'm going to have to live with it, " said Colleen Spears, the victim's mother.

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http://ozarksfirst.com/content/fulltext/?cid=13929

http://i1.tinypic.com/73mtc8y.jpg
:cuss: :flamemad: :cuss: :flamemad:

odette

11-13-2007, 04:31 AM

School trying to cope - probable cause affidavit and supplemental reports

joplinglobe.com - Derek Spellman - November 12, 2007

As counselors on Monday helped pupils at Triway Elementary School in Stella cope with the murder of classmate Rowan Ford, authorities were still trying to determine the precise roles played by the two men charged with the girl’s death. — continued X 2 pages

http://www.joplinglobe.com/neosho_newton_mcdonald%20county/local_story_316202605.html?keyword=secondarystory

Joe Public

11-13-2007, 05:29 AM

These two POS just make me sick. I've got so much to say...but eveytime I start typing I think of more and more. This board just isn't big enough!! If there was ever a need for a express line on Death Row this is it. I can't say anything else....someone please....just shoot these A**ho*es right now!!!:cuss: :flamemad: :cuss: :flamemad: :cuss: :flamemad:

And for Rowan!!:rose: :rose: :rose:

RaVeN71806

11-13-2007, 10:05 AM

These sick SOB....I hope they suffer...I hope someone in jail gets there hands on these two assholes and make them suffer just like they made that poor little girl..WTF is going on with this world....the two ass's look like two scumbag rednecks...argh!!! :flamemad: :flamemad: :flamemad:

FDInLaw

11-13-2007, 10:13 AM

LatrobeGirl

11-13-2007, 11:55 AM

Just looking at their mugshots posted above makes me sick....to think that those disgusting faces are the last that this little angel had to look at in her final moments:flamemad: :flamemad:

:rose: I prefer to think that Jesus took that little girl in His arms and shielded her soul and spirit while those sick animals molested and murdered her physical body, and that now she is being rocked to sleep by angels every night, and since the bible says that He wipes every tear from our eyes, that she has no memory of how she ended up in heaven, but she just knows she is there and she is peaceful at last.:rose:

:flamemad: May they burn in an everlasting hell, reliving her final moments over and over as the VICTIM, not as the perps...:flamemad:

FDInLaw

11-13-2007, 12:27 PM

odette

11-13-2007, 02:36 PM

Deputy recounts finding Rowan Ford's body

by Paula Morehouse, KY3 News - Nov 13, 2007

POWELL, Mo. -- It was Friday morning that a McDonald County deputy searched a sinkhole that connected with a cave and found what he hoped he wouldn't find, the body of 9-year-old Rowan Ford. The discovery was a week after she vanished from her home in Newton County.

Flowers are carefully placed next to the sinkhole. For days, volunteers and law enforcers, including McDonald County Deputy Sheriff Jacob Boles, scoured the countryside of three counties searching for the missing girl. Exactly one week after her disappearance, there was a breakthrough.

"I shined the light down to see my footing and that's when I saw her," said Boles....

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http://www.ky3.com/news/local/11228331.html

odette

11-13-2007, 02:43 PM

Not guilty pleas entered for men charged in girl's murder

bnd.com - MARCUS KABEL, AP - Nov. 13, 2007

CASSVILLE, Mo. -- During a hushed court appearance Tuesday, a judge entered not guilty pleas for the two men accused of raping and killing a 9-year-old girl whose body was found in a hillside cave after a weeklong search. — continued

http://www.bnd.com/336/story/177470.html

odette

11-13-2007, 02:59 PM

http://i17.tinypic.com/6q8uv4l.jpg

David Spears, left, is escorted by sheriff's deputies as he makes his initial court appearance in the Barry County Courthouse in Cassville, Mo., Tuesday, November 13, 2007. Spears and his friend Chris Collings are charged with one count each of first-degree murder, forcible rape, and statutory rape in the death of Spears' 9-year-old stepdaughter Rowan Ford. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jHjvw1NOFGPL0mQ-JPqYfuNZF1LgD8SSUHEO0

odette

11-13-2007, 03:01 PM

http://i14.tinypic.com/6s7lqg7.jpg

Chris Collings, second from left, is flanked by sheriff's deputies as he makes his initial court appearance in the Barry County Courthouse in Cassville, Mo., Tuesday, November 13, 2007. Collings and his friend David Spears are charged with one count each of first-degree murder, forcible rape, and statutory rape in the death of Spears' 9-year-old stepdaughter Rowan Ford. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jHjvw1NOFGPL0mQ-JPqYfuNZF1LgD8SSUHEO0

odette

11-13-2007, 03:06 PM

Raw Video: Murder Suspects in Court

kspr.com - By Brad Belote - Nov 13, 2007

CASSVILLE, Mo. (AP) - The two southwest Missouri men charged in the rape and murder of 9-year-old Rowan Ford have pleaded not guilty....

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http://www.kspr.com/news/local/11240701.html

RaVeN71806

11-13-2007, 08:04 PM

odette

11-13-2007, 10:18 PM

Hotline Call Made about Rowan Ford

By KSPR News - Nov 13, 2007

Rowan Ford was taken from her home in Stella, Missouri 11 days ago. Her stepdad, David Spears, and his friend, Chris Collings, are charged with raping and killing her.

KSPR News has learned there may have been opportunities to save her life.

Someone made at least one phone call about Rowan Ford to the state abuse hotline.

We don't know when the call was made, but the East Newton School District superintendent confirmed that someone from the district made a hotline call about Rowan, and that the district followed procedures required for mandated reporters.

KSPR has filed an open records request with the state for the file on Rowan Ford...

http://www.kspr.com/news/local/11254086.html

odette

11-13-2007, 10:25 PM

Investigators still have questions about how Rowan Ford was killed

by Sara Sheffield, KY3 News - Nov 13, 2007

Excerpt: Perhaps what's worse, says Epperly, is the reason that the men killed the girl.

“As to why they actually killed her, it’s because the little girl looked up to him and seen him there supposedly in the moon light as they was taking her out of the camper. And I guess at that point he knew that she would tell and it would be over from that point. And that's sad,” said Epperly.

The sheriff plans to have detectives question Colleen Spears. He wants to try to figure out if she had any prior knowledge of this murder or any kind of prior sexual abuse. If so, he would like to see her charged also.

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http://www.ky3.com/news/local/11252961.html

odette

11-13-2007, 10:36 PM

School coping with loss

neoshodailynews.com - Todd G. Higdon - November 13, 2007

STELLA - With the loss of Rowan Ford, 9, a Triway fourth grade student, fourth grade students and teachers will undergo a very specific counseling technique.

David Duerr of Arkansas will do critical incident debriefing, which is a 10-step process.

"It is a very specific counseling technique, which was used with the children of the Jonesboro, Ark., shooting, and has been used with firemen, both locally and on 9-11 in New York City," East Newton Assistant Superintendent Lyle Sparkman said. "It is a very powerful technique to help a whole group come to resolution.

"You start off by asking 'how are they feeling?' and work your way to process it. It is a very deliberate way of moving the children through a thought process, where they come to certain realizations." — continued

http://www.neoshodailynews.com/articles/2007/11/13/news/01school.txt

odette

11-14-2007, 11:45 PM

In our view: Rowan deserves justice

joplinglobe.com - November 13, 2007

Such things, you would like to think, just don’t happen in the Bible Belt and particularly in Southwest Missouri. This is the area of family values and of good people who watch out for each other and each other’s children.

But following the reported confessions of her stepfather, David Spears, and his buddy, Chris Collings, in the rape and murder of 9-year-old Stella girl Rowan Ford, we know that these things can and do happen anywhere. — continued

http://www.joplinglobe.com/editorial/local_story_317215004.html

odette

11-14-2007, 11:48 PM

Prosecutor issues two subpoenas in Rowan Ford case

neoshodailynews.com - November 14, 2007

Newton County Prosecutor Scott Watson has issued two subpoenas to the Division of Family Services regarding the Rowan Ford case.

Watson said he subpoenaed Children's Services in Neosho, as well as DFS' central registry in Jefferson City. The court papers were issued at 11:13 a.m. Tuesday.

Media reports indicate someone with the East Newton School District made at least one hotline call before the 9-year-old was reported missing on Nov. 2. Ford was a fourth grader at Triway Elementary in Stella.

In a telephone interview this afternoon, Watson said he was investigating whether hot line calls were made and if the DFS made the appropriate response. — continued

http://www.neoshodailynews.com/articles/2007/11/14/breaking_news/01update.txt

odette

11-14-2007, 11:51 PM

UPDATE: Newton Co. Prosecutor Says 3 Sources Made Rowan Hotline Calls

By KSPR News - Nov 14, 2007

The Newton County prosecutor is demanding answers in the wake of a KSPR News report about Rowan Ford and calls to the State Abuse Hotline made before her death.

Prosecutor Scott Watson confirms today he's issued subpoenas to the State Division of Children's Services. Watson wants to know how many hotline calls were made on behalf of Rowan before she was raped and murdered.

As we first told you last night at 5:30, at least one person in the east Newton School District called the state hotline and reported suspected child abuse or neglect. — continued

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http://www.kspr.com/news/local/11320286.html

odette

11-14-2007, 11:53 PM

Pastor urges mourners to put away hate over girl’s death

kansascity.com - AP - Nov. 14, 2007

NEOSHO, Mo. | Rowan Ford’s pastor urged mourners at her funeral Wednesday to put away anger and hate over the death of the 9-year-old girl who authorities allege charge was raped and murdered by her stepfather and another man.

Speakers remembered Rowan as a “sweetie” who loved everybody at her church in her southwest Missouri village of Stella and was always the first to show up for services and youth activities.

More than 300 people filled the Gospel Lighthouse Church in Neosho, about 15 miles from Stella, a larger building than her hometown church that was chosen because of the anticipated crowd.

Rowan’s mother, Colleen Ford, 44, did not speak during the service. She sat with her four adult children — two daughters and two sons — in the front facing Rowan’s closed white casket that bore a bouquet of red and white roses. — continued

http://www.kansascity.com/news/breaking_news/story/361276.html

odette

11-14-2007, 11:56 PM

Rowan Ford Laid to Rest

kspr.com - Nov 14, 2007

While the investigation goes on, friends and family of Rowan Ford had some closure today as she was laid to rest.

Hundreds gathered in the town of Stella near Neosho for the funeral and the graveside service.

More than 100 people were at the graveside service immediately following the funeral. The group sang Amazing Grace before Rowan's family left the grave. Rowan’s mom, two sisters and two brothers were at the services today.

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http://www.kspr.com/news/local/11321536.html

odette

11-14-2007, 11:58 PM

Church Overflows With Mourners Remembering Missouri Girl

4029tv.com - November 14, 2007

STELLA, Mo. -- A Missouri girl who captured the hearts of many in northwest Arkansas was laid to rest on Wednesday. — continued

http://i20.tinypic.com/zlvipv.gif » Celebration Of Life For Missouri Girl
http://www.4029tv.com/news/14599963/detail.html

odette

11-15-2007, 01:09 AM

Family and Friends Say Goodbye to Rowan Ford

ozarksfirst.com - Chris Grogan - Nov 14, 2007

It's been a tough week and a half for those who knew Rowan Ford. After a week of searching, friends and family found out the nine-year-old had been murdered. On Wednesday, friends and family of Ford came out to her funeral to say goodbye.

They spent hours searching, hours praying she would come home and hours wondering why Rowan's life ended so soon and with such cruelty.

Those who knew her best say they needed to be at Ford's funeral to get some of those questions answered and to say goodbye. — continued

"Even though she wasn't here long, she left a big impact on everybody." remembered Stella Allen, a parent of Rowan's classmate. — continued

http://i18.tinypic.com/86gnyc6.jpg http://i11.tinypic.com/6sq930l.jpg

http://i16.tinypic.com/85may5d.jpg http://i14.tinypic.com/6y3qtee.jpg

http://i20.tinypic.com/zlvipv.gif »
http://ozarksfirst.com/content/fulltext/?cid=14073

odette

11-15-2007, 04:46 AM

KSPR WEB EXTRA: Bloggers Give Insight to Rowan's Childhood

kspr.com - ABC - By Michelle Sherwood - Nov 14, 2007

The Internet is something that is open to everyone and is also used as a resource by investigators.

Many people have spent the last few days looking at Chris Collings' MySpace page, and people have been asking KSPR for more web-related information. — continued

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http://www.kspr.com/news/local/11259636.html

wind149

11-15-2007, 07:54 PM

I know we are supposed to watch our language here, but these pieces of redneck rat puke ****bags need to die and now not 20 years from now. Of course they plead not guilty, they are hoping some bleeding heart lawyer will advocate for their lives to be spared. And my attention is now focused on the Mama. This whole clan smacks of something straight out of Deliverance and they all look like red neck yahoos and I betcha Mama knows that someone had called the abuse hotline, because she knows what was going on right on her own house and these women make me puke. They are so afraid to be alone, they will allow these maggots to abuse them and their children, they LOVE them and meanwhile these pukes are molesting and raping their kids. I spoke to a friend of mine in NH last night and I inquired about a girl she had been friends with and once again this stupid broad is living with a guy who beats her, has hit her children and her one child had been brutalized by another of Mama's loves and she actually testified on HIS behalf and the dirtbag walked. This girl is now 18 and has no contact with her mother and who can blame her? Now the ratbag she is with now does not work, sits on his ass and drinks all day, while she works two jobs to pay the bills and provide him with beer and her son recently has come forward and advised he has gone to the police as this puke has been touching him in a sexual way like stick his hand down his pants and Mama tells my friend that the boy is making it up just like his sister because he does not like him. The police were due to come to the residence today and my friend should be calling me around 10 to let me know what went down. Mary knows all these guys are losers, but she is so afraid to be alone, she allows these maggots to abuse her and her kids. My friend hates this guy and of course he hates her as he thinks she is coming between Mary and him and she had a blow-out with him about two weeks ago and actually we think he is afraid of my friend as she told him he was a no-good POS and Mary deserved better, and the next time he felt froggy to hit some body why don't he hit her and she has a black belt and he knows it and backed right down as he is nothing more than a coward. My friend plans on being there today on behalf of the boy and not Mary and it is sad as they have been friends for a long time and all "A" has done is try to help her and she won't listen to her. This redneck Mama here probably is the same way. Stays with losers, even when they harm her kids. I think we are going to find out in the coming months that Mama not only knew about the abuse, she looked the other way. Both of these ****bags need to be castrated with rusty fence posts and then one stuck up their fat asses as far as it will go and do this for about an hour, justice would be served listening to them scream in agony.:mad: :mad: :mad:

odette

11-16-2007, 04:41 AM

Documents detail child abuse probes of Rowan Ford's family

Sara Sheffield, KY3 News - Nov 15, 2007

SPRINGFIELD -- After Rowan Ford of Stella was found raped and murdered last week, some people wondered whether anyone had raised concerns about possible abuse of the 9-year-old girl before she disappeared. Documents made public by the Missouri Department of Social Services on Thursday show investigators found no evidence that she was abused.

In response to a Sunshine Law request by KY3 News, DSS sent 36 pages of documents that detail its contacts with Rowan’s family. The bottom line is DSS investigators didn't feel like Rowan or her siblings were in any immediate danger. DSS reported "there are no children likely to be in danger of serious harm."

A DSS worker had contact with Rowan's family in March 2000 and reported some hygiene problems with Rowan and her sisters. Other than that, the worker found the family was fine. At the time of that investigation, David Spears was not in the home. Spears is now one of two men charged with raping and killing her. The other is Spears’ friend Chris Collings.

In January 2006, when Spears was living with Rowan, someone called the child abuse hotline about a case of head lice. The person who made that call felt like it was a situation that was not being taken care of -- chronic head lice.

http://i20.tinypic.com/zlvipv.gif »
http://www.ky3.com/news/local/11386126.html

http://i23.tinypic.com/zldtlu.png » For more information, visit DSS documents on its contacts with Rowan Ford's family. http://images.bimedia.net/documents/DSS+documents+on+contacts+with+Rowan+Ford.pdf

odette

11-16-2007, 05:16 AM

Hundreds gather to remember Rowan

neoshodailynews.com - Todd G. Higdon - November 15, 2007

The front of the Gospel Lighthouse Church bore not only red and white roses on the casket of Rowan Ford, but also stuffed animals, and a picture of Rowan with an item that she loved - her bike.

That was the scene on Wednesday afternoon as more than 500 mourners came to the funeral to pay their last respects. Within the church, the family set close to the front, on the right side, while members of Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) sat among the crowd.

"Her favorite color was purple, her favorite flower was purple lilacs, her favorite TV show was 'Hannah Montana,' her favorite food was spaghetti and her favorite sport was swimming," said the Rev. Steve Moser, giving the opening prayer and the obituary. "The one thing that she loved was to ride that bike all through the town. Rowan was certainly heard saying, 'One more hug and one more kiss.' She also was heard saying, 'I love you most, Mom.' " — continued

http://www.neoshodailynews.com/articles/2007/11/15/news/01rowan.txt

Jo_Momma_82

11-16-2007, 11:49 AM

I don't get it... with all the cheap prostitutes and bar-flies that'll give it away for free in this world, WHY mess with our children ??? I don't know these b*****d's but, I HATE them for what they did to this poor little girl and her family !

RIP Rowan :rose:

I will pray for the family :rose:

MamaMari

11-18-2007, 02:02 AM

This story has really got my heart hurting.
My own daughter is Rowan's same age.
Loves the same color- purple.
And loves the same tv show- Hannah Montana.

What hurts the most, is how this little girl suffered so horribly.
When I read and learn about cases like this and I can't understand why and how such things happen, I make little memorial pictures for comfort. To remember them the way they should be remembered and not how they died. It is my own small gesture, and though I know it makes no real difference, it is significant in how she should be remembered. A nine year old little girl, that loved purple. I repainted the background flowers purple, since they were her favorite color.

Rest in Peace sweet pea:
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e107/MarisSiggieAlbum/Lost%20and%20Missing%20Children/rowanpoem.jpg

odette

11-18-2007, 05:08 AM

Murder, rape victim remembered by friends, pastor

Published November 17, 2007 08:52 pm - STELLA, Mo. — Her bike was her steadfast companion and she knew the roads well. Friends and others in the community of Stella would see her — a slender, brown-haired 9-year-old girl gliding along on her blue-tinted Blossom Quest bicycle.

X 5 Page Article
http://www.joplinglobe.com/local/local_story_321205230.html

http://i24.tinypic.com/2lk8od0.gif » Slideshow
http://www.joplinglobe.com/local/local_slideshow_313131848

odette

11-18-2007, 05:10 AM

LatrobeGirl

11-18-2007, 01:13 PM

Mama Mari, that was just beautiful...a fitting tribute to an innocent angel.:rose:

Like some posts above, I too am wondering about the mother's culpability in this. It's tragic but frustrating how many mothers hook up with these scum losers without taking their children's best interests into consideration.

I have 3 girls, Lauren (20), Lindsey (18), and Libby (10). I have always had a "mom radar" about them. They do not go to a friend's house until I have met and mentally assessed the parents (of course, Lauren is grown and lives on her own now, but when she was little). I do not leave them alone with men, even male relatives (except of course their dad, who is a fantastic hubby and father...and both grandpaps are upright men, too). Our family has never been touched by any kind of molesting, and I intend to keep it that way. I have one male relative who I love dearly, but he doesn't pass my "radar". I won't even walk out of the room if he's around my kids. He doesn't have any history, but I just get a "vibe", ya know? He has a history of drug abuse, and I just don't know what that has done to him....so he has NEVER been alone for a moment with my girls. Same way at church, or anywhere. If I seem a little obsessed, I don't care. My girls are not going to become a statistic.

So, where was Rowan's mom's radar? Was it blinded by the need to be with someone? Colleen Spears (the mom) is alot older than David Spears (the scum stepfather). Shouldn't a certain amount of wisdom come with age? Were there no signs that he is capable of this? I read on another message board that an older child had moved out because of the stepdad "bothering" her. I'd love to know if that is true. Because if it is true, then I would have ZERO sympathy for Colleen.
:mad: Innocent until proven guilty, my ***. He's already been proven guilty...so for once in his pathetic life I hope this Spears and his scummy friend do the right thing and plead guilty...

FDInLaw

03-24-2008, 02:03 PM

Hearings reset in case of 9-year-old’s murder
By Derek Spellman

dspellman@joplinglobe.com

CASSVILLE, Mo. — Hearings for two men charged with the rape and murder of a 9-year-old Stella girl last year have been continued until May, according to court records.

Barry County Prosecutor Johnnie Cox said the hearings were reset so the discovery procedure could continue in the cases of David Spears, 25, of Stella, and Chris Collings, 32, of Wheaton. Each man has been charged in Barry County with first-degree murder, forcible rape and statutory rape in connection with the death of Rowan Ford last year.

Cox said he was still awaiting several reports in the case. Both hearings have been reset for 1 p.m. on May 20.

Both men were bound over to the trial division of Barry County Circuit Court after waiving their preliminary hearings within the past three months. Bond amounts have not been set for either man. . .

http://www.joplinglobe.com/archivesearch/local_story_078204640.html

Justice for Rowan! :rose:

FDInLaw

03-24-2008, 02:19 PM

Defendants in girl’s death seeking changes of venue

By Derek Spellman

dspellman@joplinglobe.com

CASSVILLE, Mo. — The two men charged with the rape and murder of a 9-year-old Stella girl last year have requested changes of venue, according to court records.

Michael King, a Carthage-based public defender representing David Spears, 25, said he requested a change of venue last week because of the “extreme publicity” generated by the case. Spears is charged in Barry County with first-degree murder, forcible rape and statutory rape in connection with the death of his stepdaughter, Rowan Ford.

The motion calls for the case to be tried in a different county or for jurors from outside Barry County to be imported to hear the case, King said.

Chris Collings, 32, of Wheaton, faces the same three charges. Collings’ attorney, Clate Baker, a public defender from Monett, also has requested a change of venue for his client.

Both men were bound over to Barry County Circuit Court for trial after waiving their preliminary hearings within the past two months. Bond amounts have not been set for either man, King said. . .

Authorities have said they still are trying to reconcile discrepancies between the two defendants’ accounts of the events leading to Rowan’s death. Both Spears and Collings allegedly have confessed to rape and murder.

Colleen Spears, David Spears’ wife and Rowan’s mother, filed for divorce on Nov. 27 in Newton County Circuit Court. The divorce petition was granted Jan. 14 by Judge Gregory Stremel, and Colleen Spears’ name was changed back to Colleen Grace Munson under the ruling. . .
David Spears and Chris Collings have hearings set for March 18. Spears’ hearing is to begin at 10 a.m., Collings’ hearing at 1 p.m.

http://www.joplinglobe.com/Rowan_Ford/local_story_029184008.html?keyword=topstory

Bluefox

04-15-2008, 06:19 PM

I'm so tired reading about these types of women. When a younger man comes sniffing around, why do they always immediately think they're onto a good thing? The red flag should be coming up, 'cos these men hook onto the women specifically to get close to the kids! From his pic, you can read this guy from a million miles away, his face says it all, slimeball, lazy git, self indulgent, need i go on. Is it something from these women's own backgrounds, lack of education, lack of communication etc etc in their own families, or are they so used to being used by men that they allow the vicious cycle to continue? I'm so heart sick that another bonnie wee girl met her too early demise at the hands of these abhorrences, for they are not men, and never were.

onalaska

06-11-2008, 11:37 AM

Serial Killer X

06-25-2008, 02:42 AM

MyCuppaT

06-25-2008, 05:44 PM

:rose: This is a very sad case. Has anyone heard any followup on the trials or disposition of this case? The mother divorced the slob... any word on how she is currently doing? May Rowan rest in peace, God Bless Her...:rose:

FDInLaw

06-30-2008, 09:42 AM

Tuesday, June 17, 2008
New attorney signs on for accused in Rowan Ford murder
Thomas Jacquinot, a public defender from Kansas City who specializes in death penalty cases, signed on as the attorney today for Chris Collings, one of two men charged with the murder of nine-year-old Rowan Ford of Stella.
Also listed on the defense team are public defenders Susan Elliott and Jeff Stephens.
Jacquinot filed a motion asking that a pre-trial hearing set for July 22 be delayed. Jacquinot is scheduled to serve as the lawyer for Richard Davis, who is charged with killing two Independence area women in 2006.

Collings and Rowan Ford's stepfather, David Wesley Spears, are charged with first degree murder and forcible rape. Spears is represented by Cynthia Dryden, a public defender from St. Louis, who is also a specialist in death penalty cases.

http://rturner229.blogspot.com/2008/06/new-attorney-signs-on-for-accused-in.html

LadyFisher

08-01-2008, 07:42 PM

You are one sick individual........Go to your own kind of boards psycho!!!:no::flamemad:SHAME ON YOU!

Its just me

08-02-2008, 03:13 PM

FDInLaw

08-02-2008, 03:16 PM

You are one sick individual........Go to your own kind of boards psycho!!!:no::flamemad:SHAME ON YOU!

This person is Sick LF bumping post to get beyond this sick soul
I can't believe they have 53 post now! Where the heck is deepwater!!! :cuss:

Its just me

08-02-2008, 04:29 PM

I can't believe they have 53 post now! Where the heck is deepwater!!! :cuss:

Yep 53 the last I looked. I bumped all threads where the filth was the last post. Sickening and somebody needs to do their job. :cuss::flamemad:

It's great to see so many concerned people.

:rose: Too all of you. IJM

odette

09-12-2008, 02:46 AM

Link - Murder trial to be moved (http://www.cassville-democrat.com/story/1460390.html)

A second change of venue has been granted in the Rowan Ford murder case. Based on ruling made by Barry County Circuit Judge Robert Wiley last Wednesday, Christopher Collings' trial will be held in Phelps County.

Collings stands charged with first degree murder, forcible rape and statutory sodomy. Specifically, the 32-year-old man from Wheaton is accused of taking 9-year-old Ford from her home in Stella, sexually assaulting her, strangling her and then dumping her partially clothed body in a sink hole in McDonald County.

According to law enforcement authorities, Collings did not act alone. Ford's stepfather, David W. Spears, 25, of Stella, is also charged with the little girl's rape and murder. Spears' case has been transferred to Pulaski County.

Both Spears and Collings are being held in Barry County Jail. The pair have been inmates since their arrest on Nov. 9, 2007, which was six days after Ford was first reported missing from her home.

The murder case originates in Barry County, because the actual criminal act allegedly occurred at Collings' trailer, which is located in Wheaton. Both Spears and Collings are being represented by different attorneys from the State Public Defender's Office.

Barry County Prosecutor Johnnie Cox is seeking the death penalty for both men. He is being assisted in the prosecution by Elizabeth Bock with the Attorney General's Office.

Trial dates have not yet been set.

FDInLaw

11-01-2008, 04:20 PM

Friday, October 31, 2008
Monday hearing set in Rowan Ford murder case

A 1 p.m. Monday hearing is set in Phelps County Circuit Court for Chris Collings, one of two men charged with last November's brutal rape and slaying of nine-year-old Rowan Ford of Stella.
http://rturner229.blogspot.com/2008/10/monday-hearing-set-in-rowan-ford-murder.html

odette

11-05-2008, 02:52 AM

Collings to be in court Monday

Neosho, Mo. - A criminal setting hearing has been set for next Monday against one of two men accused of kidnapping, raping and killing a Stella girl last fall.

Christopher Collings, 33, is expected to appear in a Phelps County courtroom at 1 p.m. Monday for the proceeding. The case was moved to Phelps County from Barry County on a change of venue.

Collings and David Spears, 25, of Stella, face charges of first-degree murder, forcible rape and first-degree statutory sodomy in connection with the kidnap, rape and murder of 9-year-old Rowan Ford. Collings’ court date comes a year to the day after Ford was first reported missing from her Stella home. Her body was discovered several days later in a sinkhole near Powell in McDonald County after a week-long search that involved numerous local, state and federal agencies, including the Newton County Sheriff’s Department, the McDonald County Sheriff’s Department, the Barry County Sheriff’s Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and a team from the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Two McDonald County deputies, acting on a tip from the FBI, found the girl’s body about 15 to 20 feet underground in the cavern.

The day before the discovery, Spears led Newton County Coroner Mark Bridges to the site.
Bridges said he saw items which made him suspicious, and contacted the FBI.

Both Collings and Spears have told authorities that they raped and killed the girl. According to a probable cause affidavit, the girl was strangled with a rope or cord.

A trial setting hearing for Spears has been set for 9 a.m. Dec. 3 in Pulaski County.

http://www.neoshodailynews.com/news/x199481052

odette

11-05-2008, 02:54 AM

Remembering Rowan Ford

. . . . . http://i36.tinypic.com/2njbixc.jpg

(Stella, MO) -- A year ago this week, a 9-year old Stella, Missouri girl was brutally murdered. Police say Rowan Ford died in the early hours of November 3.

Nestled in southwest Missouri is the small town of Stella, with nearly 200 people. Today, it's a community in still in recovery.

"Certain crimes affect you. Different certain crimes stick with you." says Newton County Sheriff Ken Copeland.

The crime, Sheriff Copeland is talking about, is the brutal murder of 9-year-old Rowan Ford. She was last seen alive at her home in Stella on November 2, 2007.

• Article Continued - Video

http://ozarksfirst.com/content/fulltext/?cid=78171

odette

11-05-2008, 02:57 AM

Published November 04, 2008 12:47 am - Although few spoke about it, it seemed that everyone was aware that Monday marked the one-year anniversary of the death of 9-year-old Rowan Ford.

“It was something that was in the back of people’s minds,” Dalbom said. “There wasn’t a lot of talk about it, but no one had forgotten. The people in this area know that it was today (Monday).”

Town remembers anniversary of girl's death

STELLA, Mo. — There was a lot to celebrate in Stella over the weekend.

The town on Saturday dedicated its own Veterans Memorial Park and observed “Stellabration,” its annual festival replete with a parade, an arts and crafts fair, meals, and dancing.

A city park was created earlier this year.

But there also was an undercurrent of sorrow during the festivities, said Chuck Dalbom, a former principal of Triway Elementary School in Stella and the chairman of the Stella Veterans Memorial Committee.

Although few spoke about it, it seemed that everyone was aware that Monday marked the one-year anniversary of the death of 9-year-old Rowan Ford.

“It was something that was in the back of people’s minds,” Dalbom said. “There wasn’t a lot of talk about it, but no one had forgotten. The people in this area know that it was today (Monday).”

• Article Continued

http://www.joplinglobe.com/neosho_newton_mcdonald%20county/local_story_309004718.html?keyword=topstory