A Shocking Crime in Pocahontas, Arkansas
In June 2019, Pocahontas, Arkansas, faced a tragedy. Someone brutally murdered former state senator Linda Collins-Smith outside her home. Consequently, the small town gained national attention. Dateline NBC’s The Hands of a Killer explored this case, revealing Rebecca O’Donnell’s betrayal. This article covers the investigation, evidence, and the deep pain felt by Linda’s family.
A Heartbreaking Discovery
On June 4, 2019, Butch Smith, Linda’s son, and Benny Collins, her father, visited her home. They hadn’t heard from her for days. Sadly, they found her body in the driveway, wrapped in a blanket and hidden under a tarp. The coroner confirmed she died from multiple stab wounds. Sheriff Kevin Bell saw blood in the kitchen and signs of a fight. Therefore, investigators knew it was murder.
The Investigation Unfolds
Police soon suspected Rebecca O’Donnell, Linda’s friend and former campaign aide. They found strong evidence, including:
- Security Footage: O’Donnell tried to disable Linda’s cameras. However, the security company saved footage showing her with a bloody knife and purse on May 28, 2019.
- Stolen Money: O’Donnell forged checks and stole $15,110 from Linda’s gold and silver coin sales. This gave her a motive.
- Cleaning Supplies: A bloody Clorox bottle matched receipts showing O’Donnell bought bleach at Walmart.
- Phone Records: Data placed O’Donnell at the crime scene. Meanwhile, 911 calls ruled out other suspects.
Authorities arrested O’Donnell on June 17, 2019, as she headed to Linda’s memorial. Court records showed she tried to clean the scene and hide evidence.
Rebecca O’Donnell’s Betrayal
Rebecca O’Donnell was close to Linda, working on her campaigns. They shared ties through O’Donnell’s fiancé, Tim Loggains. Yet, money troubles broke their friendship. Prosecutors said O’Donnell stabbed Linda after she confronted her about the theft. Fearing exposure, O’Donnell acted quickly. Later, she tried to cover up the crime.
In jail, O’Donnell planned worse. She targeted Linda’s ex-husband, Phil Smith, and his wife in a murder-for-hire plot. She even forged a fake suicide note. Fortunately, cellmates Melissa Duede and Cassandra Geoffrion told police. This led to extra charges. O’Donnell’s odd claim about using the knife for chicken didn’t hold up.
Pain for Linda’s Family
Linda’s death crushed her family. Butch shared, “I’ll never forget seeing Mom under that tarp.” Tate Williams, her daughter, said, “O’Donnell left a hole in our lives.” The Dateline episode, aired again on July 12, 2024, included their stories, along with Sheriff Bell’s. It showed their grief and fight for justice.
In August 2020, O’Donnell pleaded guilty to murder, corpse abuse, and solicitation. She got 50 years in prison. Still, Tate said Linda’s faith would inspire forgiveness, showing the family’s strength.
Broader Impact and Questions
Linda’s murder raised fears about public figures’ safety. Her work on gun rights and rural values made her well-known. Meanwhile, false conspiracy theories tied her death to the Clintons. Sheriff Bell and court records debunked these claims. Instead, the story centers on a friend’s greed and betrayal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who killed Linda Collins-Smith?
Rebecca O’Donnell, her friend and campaign aide, admitted to the murder in 2020.
Why did the murder happen?
O’Donnell stole money from Linda and killed her to hide it.
Where can I watch Dateline’s episode?
Watch The Hands of a Killer on NBC or Peacock.
Conclusion
Linda Collins-Smith’s murder shows the pain of betrayal. Careful police work and strong evidence brought justice. However, her family and Pocahontas still hurt. For more, watch The Hands of a Killer on NBC’s Dateline. Explore our True Crime Archives for similar stories.
