Aug. 10 jury trial set for Stella man accused of raping, murdering nine-year-old stepdaughter

An Aug. 10 jury trial has been scheduled in Pulaski County for David Wesley Spears, the man accused of raping and murdering his nine-year-old stepdaughter, Rowan Ford, on Nov. 3, 2007. The trial is expected to last two weeks.

Spears confessed to Newton County deputies, with the following taken from the statement:

Deputy: “Just for clarity, in this statement you told me that you, David Spears, and Chris Collings both had intercourse with Rowan Ford at that time. Then Chris handed you a white cord that you placed around Rowan's neck and strangled her. Is that correct?"

Spears: “Yes, yes.”

Deputy: “Is there anything else you would like to add to this statement?”

Spears: “I did it."

Miss Ford was a fourth grader at Triway Elementary School.

The other man accused in the brutal rape and murder, Chris Collings of Wheaton, whose trial is scheduled for early in 2011. The state is seeking the death penalty for both men.