AP News, November 13th, 2007
The stepfather of a slain 9-year-old girl and his friend need public defenders to represent them against rape and murder charges, an attorney said Tuesday.
Public defender Brian Smith requested that a judge appoint lawyers for David Spears, Rowan Ford's stepfather, and Chris Collings at their first court appearance. Not guilty pleas were entered for Spears and Collings by the judge, according to court records. They will formally enter pleas if the judge orders the case to trial.
Rowan's body was found earlier this month in a southwestern Missouri cave about 10 miles south of her home in the village of Stella.
Spears, 25, and Collings, 32, were brought into court under heavy guard and wearing wrist and ankle shackles. They are charged with one count each of first-degree murder, forcible rape and statutory rape.
During the hearing, Rowan's mother, Colleen Spears, sat in the front row of the gallery flanked by several friends and family members. Afterward, she walked silently past TV cameras and reporters. A police officer escorting them told reporters not to ask questions.
Barry County prosecutor Johnnie Cox said that he has not decided if he will seek the death penalty.
Both men have admitted taking part in the crime, according to investigators and court filings. They are being held without bond.
Investigators said there are contradictions in the accounts each man gave of how Rowan died after being taken from her home late Nov. 2 or early Nov. 3, while her mother was working a night shift at a Wal-Mart in a nearby town.
Newton County Sheriff Ken Copeland said authorities need to do more work, including analyzing evidence from the crime scene, to sort out the differing accounts.
"When the DNA comes back, then we'll know who did what," Copeland said.
Collings' brother Greg Horton has said that he did not believe his brother was involved. Spears' mother has said that her son told her from jail that he took part, although she was unclear on the details.
A funeral service for Rowan is scheduled for Wednesday.
