U. S. Supreme Court rejects Rowan Ford killer's last-ditch attempt to avoid death penalty

The U. S. Supreme Court Tuesday rejected a last-ditch effort by lawyers representing Chris Collings to save their client from the death sentence.

Collings is scheduled to be executed 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 3, for the 2007 murder of Rowan Ford, 9, a fourth grader at Triway Elementary in Stella.

The Court denied a writ of certiorari for Collings in April, meaning it would not even hear Collings' case.

Collings' attorney filed a motion to file a supplemental appendix to the petition for a writ of certiorari under seal. The court once again denied the request.

Collings' efforts to stave off the death penalty were rejected by the Missouri Supreme Court August 15.

Public defenders working on Collings' behalf, filed the long shot motion to have his sentence tossed out claiming the defense was not told that a chief witness against Collings, former Wheaton Police Chief Clifford Clark had violated Collings' rights in obtaining a confession from him and had a record of illegal activity when he was serving in the military.

In the motion, the public defender also noted that another man, Rowan Ford's stepfather David Spears, had also confessed to the crime.

The motions to the U. S. and Missouri supreme courts were filed after Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed a motion to the Missouri Supreme Court April 2 asking that an execution date be scheduled for Collings, who has been on death row since May 11, 2012, after he was convicted by a Platte County jury following a two-week trial.

In his motion, Bailey detailed Collings' crimes:

In November of 2007, Christopher Collings abducted, raped, and murdered nine-year-old Rowan Ford of Stella, Missouri, in Newton County.

Afterwards, Collings threw the victim’s body in a sinkhole near Powell, Missouri in McDonald County. Collings also burned the rope he used to strangle the victim, the blood-stained clothing he wore during the attack, and his blood-stained mattress. Collings eventually confessed to the police.

Collings was convicted in Phelps County by a jury selected from Platte County. During the punishment phase of the trial, the jury found that Collings had tortured the victim in a way that was vile, horrible, and inhumane. The jury also found that Collings murdered the victim to prevent her from testifying against him regarding the rape.

Collings’s conviction and sentence have been reviewed by the Missouri Supreme Court, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. No court has ever found any legal errors.

Nancy Hughes: Peace in the storm

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 (NIV)

Strong storms packed with wind and rain are normal in Missouri. I remember one particular downpour during the first quarter of our local football game on a cool Friday evening. Fortunately, I had an umbrella big enough to protect nearly a third of the stadium. I needed one that coordinated with my brown jacket and found one with “gold” stamped on the package. I realized after I opened it at home that it actually said “golf.” Oh well.

But as I sat at the game, I thought back to my first storm without the protection of my husband. He had passed away about three months before the big winds and rain hit. The electricity in my home had gone out and the darkness felt as thick as smoke as I stumbled to light candles everywhere but they did nothing to calm my fears as shingle after shingle flew off the roof and thudded like wounded birds on the lawn.

I remember wondering “Will it always be like this? Will I always huddle on the sofa and feel so frightened of every storm that comes my way?” I knew that if he had been there, my husband would have grinned and winked and said “It’s a big one, isn’t it Nance.” and I would have been reassured instantly. But he wasn’t there nor would he be coming back so I pulled my sweater tighter around me, prayed silently, and waited for the storm to pass.

That was several years ago but the “storms” have continued to hit with a vicious force. One “storm” was an empty propane tank on the coldest night of the year. Another was a truck that flatly refused to ever run again after I stopped at a red light. Still, another was a major financial issue that needed to be addressed immediately. And then a massive storm with a virus indiscriminately tried to sink its teeth into every person it came in contact with. Storm after storm after storm.

Of course, we have those times of fresh air, sunshine, a view that is breathtaking and more money in the bank than bills on the kitchen counter and our hearts are at peace. But we cannot deny the inevitability in John 16:33 that just the opposite will eventually happen: unforeseen storms will blindside us and bills will pile up with an empty bank account; a health diagnosis will be cancer; a best friend will pass away.

And what is the answer? We don’t have the power to decide exactly when to schedule a storm. And honestly, is there ever a good time to pencil in a broken arm on our calendars? Not at all. But the one constant that I have learned through life is this: God will never leave us in our storms. He stays right beside us, encouraging us and giving us strength to continue as the winds rage around us. He comforts us as He reminds us that all storms are temporary. They will blow over. We will experience relief. Even when I don’t understand the “why” in the storm. Even when my heart is broken to the point that I don’t think it can be repaired. Even then.

May I suggest something for you to consider the next time a storm hits your life? Stand in the middle of your living room, turn your face to the Lord, and praise Him. “WHAT??” you say. Praise?? Yes. Praise Him for never leaving you. Praise Him for being in control of all things – including storms. Praise Him for having a purpose in every storm – even when you can’t see it. That is not saying you are happy and content with every storm you experience; it is saying that you will trust the One who sees what you do not. Tears of grief? Yes. But praise for never leaving you and having a plan in all things? Oh, yes.

We are going to be drenched again and again as storms blow into our lives but rest assured that they will also blow out of our lives as well. And the Creator of the Universe will never ever EVER leave us. I pray you feel His presence and His peace today and every day.

Father, even when we don’t understand; when our hearts are broken into tiny pieces, even then we know you are in control and you love us. We love you. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

R.A.P. it up . . .

Reflect

Have you ever believed that the storm you experienced would last forever and the Lord would not be with you?

Did you call on the Lord to get you through or get angry that it was happening to you?

Apply

When a storm hits in your life, stop, take a deep breath, and ask the Lord to make His presence known.

Memorize the 23rd Psalm and praise the Lord in the middle of the storm. Ask prayer warriors to pray over you.

Power

John 16:33 (NIV) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Psalm 23:4 (NIV) “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comport me.”

Exodus 33:14 (NIV) “The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

(For more of Nancy Hughes' writing, check out her blog, Encouragement from the War Room.)

Lamar police chief resigns to take Newton County chief deputy position

Lamar Police Chief Joe Moore announced his resignation effective December 13 to take a position as Newton County Sheriff's Office chief deputy.

Moore, a former Joplin Police Department officer, has been Lamar police chief since June 1, 2020, when he replaced another former JPD officer Rusty Rives, who took a position as Lamar's assistant city administrator.

Moore retired January 24, 2020 after 20 years with the Joplin Police Department.  He has more than 28 years of law enforcement experience and served in the U. S. Marines.

During his time in Joplin, he served in Uniformed Operations, Investigations, Professional Standards, and Support Services. 

Moore also served as a firearms instructor, SWAT officer, field training officer, internal affairs investigator, and training coordinator.

Judge rejects former Carthage mayor's request for writ of prohibition, trial will be held by end of year

Greene County Circuit Court Judge J. Ronald Carrier rejected former Carthage Mayor Dan Rife's request for an emergency writ of prohibition that would put him back in office but will hold a trial sometime before the end of the year to determine if the City Council acted legally when it impeached Rife October 29.

Carrier said Rife had "failed to establish unequivocally that an extreme necessity for preventative action exists."

In his petition filed in Jasper County Circuit Court the day after the impeachment hearing, Rife's lawyer, Christopher Thornton, St. Charles, claimed Rife could not be removed despite the 6-2 vote on four of the five counts against him because six is one short of the two-thirds majority of elected city council members required by the city code.

The City Council had 10 elected members earlier in the year, but council member Dustin Edge resigned recently, and David Armstrong resigned earlier in the year.

In his order, which was issued this afternoon, Judge Carrier asked attorneys on both sides to tell him within five days how much time they think the trial will take and what dates are available.

Carthage men charged with stealing $6,300 worth of copper cable, tools from Carthage Water & Electric

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney filed stealing and trespassing charges today against two Carthage men who allegedly stole more than $2,800 worth of copper cable on their first visit to Carthage Water & Electric and $3,500 worth of copper and tools on the second visit.

Warrants have been issued for the arrest of Jake Peterson (DOB 1982) and Thomas Morgan O'Connell (DOB 1967), with bond set at $10,000 cash only for both men.

From Peterson's probable cause statement:

On November 11, 2024, Carthage Police Officers responded to Carthage Water and Electric Plant (CWEP) substation number two located at the intersection of Southside and Main Street, in the City of Carthage. 

They advised over $2800 worth of copper cable was stolen. They advised they had a trail camera and provided images of the individuals who had unlawfully entered by cutting the fence and stealing items from the construction trailer. 

On November 13, 2024, Carthage Police Officers responded to Carthage Water and Electric Plant (CWEP) substation number two located at the intersection of Southside and Main Street, in the City of Carthage. They reported they had videos of two individuals breaking into the contractor trailer again. They reported more than $3500 of copper and tools were stolen. They also located where the suspects entered into the fenced-in area. The total loss to repair the fence was $1200. 

Carthage Officers subsequently identified the Co-Defendant to be one of the suspects via the provided security footage. 

On November 13, 2024, Officers contacted the Co-Defendant when he committed a traffic violation on his bicycle. During the contact the Co-Defendant advised he did break into the substation and took the copper cable, however, he stated that Jake PETERSON took the tool to cut the cable. 

The Co-Defendant advised he could go to PETERSON'S residence and retrieve the tool. Officers searched the Co-Defendant and followed him to PETERSON'S residence. The Co-Defendant entered the residence and one (1) minute later exited the residence with the stolen tool in question. 

Officers contacted the Co-Defendant a few blocks away from the residence and retrieved the tool. A subsequent contact with CWEP and the contractors, B&L Electric, confirmed the Greenly “gator” cable cutter was theirs that was retrieved from PETERSON'S residence. 

During a subsequent interview with PETERSON, he admitted to cutting part of the fence and entering into the secure area of the substation. He and the Co-Defendant then took several hundred feet of wire and the tool. He admitted to transporting the stolen goods to the Co-Defendant’s house and his house.

Probable cause: Noel man tampered with witness by making five calls from jail phone

In less than one month, Matthew Wayne Rash, 34, Noel, has been charged with domestic assault, stalking, violating a protection order, driving while intoxicated as a prior offender and stealing.

For those acts, Rash has been confined to the McDonald County Detention Center where, according to a probable cause statement filed Thursday in McDonald County Circuit Court, he has continued to commit crimes.

The McDonald County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed a felony tampering with a witness charge against Rash, claiming he used a jail phone to call the woman who was the alleged victim in the domestic assault, stalking and protection order violation cases and tried to convince her not to testify against him.

All five calls were recorded.

In each call Rash made to {the woman} Rash numerous times demands that {she} drop the charges against him. During these conversations between Rash and {the woman} , Rash uses a very threating manner, elevated voice, and curses. However, no actual, specific threats are made by Rash.

According to the probable cause statement, Rash offered the woman, who is living in her car, a place to live if she didn't testify.

The charges against Rash are not anything new, according to the probable cause statement in the domestic assault case. He was convicted of assault in 2010 in McDonald County, violating a protection order in 2012 in Barry County and violating a protection order in 2016 in McDonald County.

Online court records show that in addition to the alleged crimes committed by Rash against the woman, he is currently awaiting trial on two other felony charges in Newton County.

The Neosho Police Department arrested Rash on a felony possession of a controlled substance charge May 11, 2023. Nearly a year and a half has passed and Rash has yet to have a preliminary hearing. Online Newton County Circuit Court records show the hearing is scheduled for February 3.

Rash's other Newton County Case dates back to 2022 when the Neosho Police Department arrested him for driving while intoxicated.

The case was delayed four times when Rash showed up without an attorney.

On the fifth time, not only did Rash still not have an attorney, but he also failed to show and a warrant was issued for his arrest by Judge Anna Christina Rhoades with bond set at $250 cash only.

After Rash was picked up, he asked to have his bond reduced. Judge Rhoades denied the request.

Rash finally hired an attorney, but no hearings have been held since, according to online records. His next hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. December 16.

Sentencing set for Joplin man on federal weapons charge

An 8:30 a.m. January 21 sentencing hearing has been scheduled in U. S. District Court in Springfield for Nathan Ray Spencer, 33, Joplin, on a weapons charge.

Spencer pleaded guilty June 12 to the charge, which stemmed from a February 26 Joplin Police Department traffic stop on Rangeline.

The details of the case against Spencer were spelled out in arrest information provided by JPD officer Chad Comer, who is also a member of the FBI Task Force.

On or about February 26,2024, JPD Officer Joshua Cahoon was conducting patrol duties near 3500 South Rangeline Road in Joplin, Newton County, within the Westem District of Missouri. Officer Cahoon observed a 2009 Chevrolet 2500 truck he knew to belong to Nathan Ray SPENCER.

Officer Cahoon believed the window tint on the vehicle was darker than allowed by Missouri law. Officer Cahoon followed the vehicle as it crossed Rangeline Road on 36th Street entering the Sam's Club parking lot located at 3536 Hammons Boulevard in Joplin, Newton County, within the Western District of Missouri.

Officer Cahoon conducted a stop on the vehicle in the parking lot for the illegal tint and contacted the driver of the vehicle, identified as SPENCER. Officer Cahoon utilized a department issued tint meter to analyze the tint on the vehicle. The tint meter showed the light transmission on SPENCER's vehicle to be at four percent (4%). Missouri law allows for window tinting with a light transmission of thirty-five percent (35%). Therefore, SPENCER's window tint was not Iegal under Missouri law.

Officer Cahoon was aware of intelligence that SPENCER was armed and selling narcotics. Officer Cahoon requested permission to search the vehicle which SPENCER denied. Officer Cahoon had SPENCER and the sole passenger seated in the front seat passenger seat exit the vehicle.

Officer Cahoon utilized his department issued K-9 partner to conduct an exterior sniff of the vehicle. Officer Cahoon's K-9 partner alerted to the odor of narcotics in the vehicle and the vehicle was searched.

While searching the vehicle, Officer Cahoon located a loaded syringe beside the console and driver's seat. The syringe contained a liquid that was later field tested using the TruNarc system. That liquid field tested positive for a mixture of fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Officer Cahoon located two additional syringes, a cut straw, and a piece of aluminum foil with residue. Officer Cahoon continued to search the vehicle and located inside the center console of the vehicle a brown, Taurus nine-millimeter pistol, model GX4, bearing serial number I GC60831. This firearm was loaded at the time of recovery.

Officer Cahoon then opened the driver's side rear door and located a bullet resistant vest hanging in the vehicle. On the floorboard between the front and rear seats, Officer Cahoon located a Smith and Wesson nine-millimeter pistol, model M2, bearing serial number NDS68l5. This firearm was also loaded at the time of recovery.

Agenda posted for Carthage R-9 Board of Education meeting

 

"I was drunk when I did that," Joplin man says after theft from Kohl's

A Joplin man has been charged with felony stealing following the theft of $936.40 from Kohl's October 25.

A dropped key fob led to the capture of Robert Chad Richards II (DOB 1981), according to the probable cause statement, which was filed today in Jasper County Circuit Court.

Richards allegedly grabbed two handfuls of clothing from Kohl's and left the store, but as he left he dropped his key fob. He dropped the clothing to look for the key fob, the statement, realized he had been spotted by the store's loss prevention and fled on foot.

Richards was positively identified taking the items on video, the report said.

When Robert was taken into custody, he spontaneously uttered, "I was drunk when I did that."

Neosho man charged with drug trafficking, endangering the welfare of a child

A Neosho man was charged with drug trafficking and unlawful possession of a firearm, both felonies, and misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child following a November 8 Joplin Police Department traffic stop.

According to the probable cause statement filed today in Jasper County Circuit Court, Anthony Ramon Stotts (DOB 1981, was pulled over for not having a front license plate.

After he gave consent to officers to search his vehicle, the officers found two bags containing 31.4 grams of meth and a black Glock 45 9mm handgun, the report said.