ROLLA, Mo. —
A Phelps County judge has granted a continuance in the capital-murder trial of Christopher L. Collings, one of two men accused of raping and killing 9-year-old Rowan Ford of Stella in 2007.
Circuit Judge Mary Sheffield granted the continuance today in response to a motion filed by attorneys for Collings, 35, of Wheaton. Jury selection had been scheduled to begin today in Rolla, where the case was moved on a change of venue from Barry County.
The defense sought the continuance this week, claiming they had not had sufficient time to prepare for relatively new evidence prosecutors have indicated they intend to present.
The judge reset the jury selection in Phelps County for April 20-22, with opening statements and the presentation of evidence and testimony now set for April 25.
Collings and Ford’s stepfather, David W. Spears, 28, are being tried separately on charges of having raped and strangled the girl, whose body was recovered from a sinkhole in McDonald County. Spears is currently set for trial in August in Pulaski County. The state is seeking the death penalty in both men’s cases.
