JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — A heated debate has erupted in Missouri over the employment of David Spears, a man convicted in connection with the rape and murder of his 9-year-old stepdaughter, Rowan Ford. The issue took center stage during an emotional budget committee hearing, with lawmakers and citizens alike expressing outrage over Spears’ role in the Missouri State Public Defender’s Office (MSPD).
The controversy stems from Spears’ hiring in 2016 as an administrative support staff member in the St. Louis Public Defender’s Office. This occurred shortly after Spears was released from prison for pleading guilty to reduced charges of child endangerment and hindering prosecution in Rowan Ford’s case.
The Contentious Hearing
The issue gained attention during a budget committee hearing last week. Emotions ran high as MSPD Director Mary Fox defended the hiring, claiming that Spears’ role in the case was being exaggerated. Fox argued that Spears’ confession, which implicated him in the heinous crime, was thrown out due to alleged coercion.
“They did not find the body when they were with him. They went back to other areas, and eventually, they found the body,” Fox said. However, Representative Lane Roberts (R-Joplin) countered this argument, stating firmly, “It was David Spears who led authorities to the little girl’s body.”
Fox’s defense of Spears infuriated lawmakers, with two representatives walking out of the session. Roberts did not mince words, expressing outrage over Spears’ conduct during and after the crime. “This man’s conduct was despicable,” Roberts said. He highlighted how Spears played the part of a grieving father in the media while knowing the truth all along.
Public and Lawmaker Reactions
Roberts also addressed a broader concern: the moral implications of using taxpayer money to pay the salary of someone connected to such a crime. “He’s got a paycheck, benefits, and a future—which Rowan Ford does not,” Roberts said. “The idea that he is being paid for at public expense—tax dollars paid by Rowan Ford’s family and community—is unacceptable.”
This sentiment has been echoed by members of the public, who have voiced their disapproval of the MSPD’s hiring policies. Many argue that Spears’ past actions reveal a character flaw that cannot be rehabilitated, despite claims of his good work performance.
Background on the Case
In 2007, Rowan Ford was brutally raped and murdered, a crime that shocked the nation. Spears’ involvement in the crime became evident when he led authorities to her body. However, his confession was later thrown out due to claims of “spiritual manipulation” by Mark Bridges, the Newton County Coroner at the time.
Despite these legal technicalities, public sentiment remains strong against Spears. Many believe his actions during the crime and his subsequent behavior disqualify him from holding a taxpayer-funded position.
Calls for Action
In response to the controversy, Director Fox and MSPD Chair Charles Atwell met with Representative Roberts to discuss the matter further. The Commission has been tasked with addressing lawmakers’ concerns and revisiting Spears’ employment status.
Roberts made it clear that this is not just about policy but about principles. “People are who they are. You don’t rehabilitate that,” he said. “I don’t care that he’s doing a good job. He has not and will never pay his debt to Rowan Ford.”
Broader Implications
This case has also sparked a larger conversation about hiring practices within public offices. Lawmakers are now pushing for stricter policies to prevent similar situations in the future. Some have called for more transparency and the inclusion of Commission members in hiring decisions.
The debate highlights the tension between rehabilitation and accountability. While some argue that everyone deserves a second chance, others believe that certain actions are beyond redemption.
What’s Next?
The Missouri State Public Defender’s Office is under intense scrutiny as it navigates this controversy. The Commission is expected to meet soon to decide the next steps. Meanwhile, public and political pressure continues to mount, with many demanding immediate action.
As the story unfolds, it raises critical questions about justice, redemption, and the responsibilities of public institutions. For now, one thing is clear: the debate over David Spears’ employment is far from over.
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