David Zink Executed in Missouri

David Zink, Missouri

July 14, 2015

David Michael Zink was executed by the state of Missouri on July 14, 2015. He was pronounced dead at 7:33 pm, inside the execution chamber at the Eastern Reception, Diagnostic, and Corrections Center in Bonne Terre, Missouri. Fifty-five-year-old David was convicted of the kidnapping and brutal murder of Amanda Morton on July 12, 2001, in Strafford, Missouri. David spent the last 11 years of his life on Missouri’s death row.

David Zink had a family history of psychological disorders. He had a difficult childhood with parents who were emotionally distant and emotionally abusive. David’s home environment was chaotic and his parents frequently used alcohol. As an adult, David also abused alcohol. David also alleged that he was abandoned as a child and was sexually traumatized. Witnesses at David’s trial testified that he was a caring person and hard worker.

Amanda Morton’s abandoned vehicle was found by the police on July 12, 2001. The keys were still in the ignition with the engine running. The headlights and hazard lights were also still on, with the driver’s side window rolled down. Upon further investigation, police discovered Amanda’s purse, including credit cards and medications, inside the vehicle.

That evening a motel owner recognized Amanda’s picture on the news. She had checked in earlier that day with a Mr. David Zink. Using information provided by the motel owner, police were able to apprehend Zink at his home.

Zink waived his Miranda rights and shortly thereafter confessed to the crime, telling police where he had buried Amanda. Amanda had a broken neck, eight broken ribs, between 50 and 100 blunt force injuries, and sustained injuries consistent with strangulation and being tied up. It was later determined that Zink had run Amanda’s car off the road.

Zink confessed to hitting Amanda’s car, although he changed his statement regarding whether Amanda went with him willingly. He decided to kill her, fearing that she would go to the police and he would end up back in prison, as he was on parole at the time.

Please pray for peace and healing for the family of Amanda Morton. Please pray for the family of David Zink.

For more information regarding how your financial support can help, please click here.