Rebecca O’Donnell , the woman accused of capital murder, abuse of a corpse & tampering in the murder case of former Arkansas Senator Linda Collins appeared in Randolph County court today before Judge David Goodson. O’Donnell pled not guilty to the murder of Linda Collins.
Judge Goodson has lifted the order sealing the court records which had been set early on in the case. According to the affidavit for arrest of O’Donnell, Linda Collins body was found by her son and father. Her son stated that they found a body that he believed to be his mother wrapped in a blanket under a tarp in the driveway of her home. The Arkansas State Crime Lab Examiner determined that Linda Collins died of multiple stab wounds and the manner of death was determined to be a homicide. Police investigators obtained video footage from Linda Collins security system showing Rebecca O’ Donnell removing security cameras from inside the Collins’ residence.
Third Judicial Circuit District Attorney Henry Boyce has stated that prosecutors will seek the death penalty for O’Donnell.
O’Donnell was considered a friend of Linda Collins and even campaigned for her in Collin’s last bid for re-election in 2018 . The week of the murder she had posted a profile photo on her social media of herself and Collins. Rebecca O’Donnell was also listed as a witness in the Collins/Smith divorce proceedings last year. O’Donnell’s boyfriend, Tim Loggains was listed as power of attorney for Collins. Loggains appeared in court and sat near the family of Linda Collins during the court proceedings today in Randolph County.
