Digest

This podcast delves into the life and tragic death of Linda Collins-Smith, a former Arkansas State Senator. The story begins with Linda's attempt to reinvent herself after losing her most recent election, switching political parties and seeking new opportunities in Washington D.C. The podcast then explores Linda's early life in rural Arkansas, her rise to success as a businesswoman and community leader, and her eventual entry into politics as a Democrat. The podcast highlights Linda's controversial decision to switch parties from Democrat to Republican while in office, exploring the reasons behind her decision and the consequences of her political transformation. It then details the tumultuous period in Linda's life leading up to her murder, including her divorce from her husband Phil Smith, the ensuing financial battles, and her loss of the 2018 election. The podcast then focuses on Linda's attempts to move on from her divorce and political defeat, her new relationship with Rendell Wallace, and her pursuit of a lobbying job in Washington D.C. However, Linda mysteriously disappeared after a trip to D.C., sparking concern among her friends and family. The podcast then details the discovery of Linda's body, wrapped in a tarp in her driveway, and the investigation that quickly determined her death was a homicide. The podcast explores the initial suspects, including Phil Smith and Linda's close friend Becky O'Donnell, examining the reasons why Phil became a prime suspect and the close relationship between Linda and Becky. The podcast then describes the discovery of crucial evidence: surveillance footage from Linda's security cameras. The footage reveals Becky O'Donnell as the perpetrator, holding the murder weapon. Becky is subsequently arrested at Linda's memorial service. The podcast details Becky's defense, her claims of innocence, and the unwavering support of her fiancé Tim Loggins. It also reveals Becky's past criminal history and her alleged attempts to frame Phil Smith for Linda's murder. The podcast concludes with Becky's guilty plea and her sentencing to 57 years in prison. It explores Tim's reaction to the revelation of Becky's guilt and the lasting impact of Linda's murder on her family and community.

Outlines

00:01:01

Linda's Reinvention and the Risks of Change

This chapter introduces Linda Collins-Smith, a former Arkansas State Senator who was trying to reinvent herself after losing her most recent election. She had switched political parties and was exploring new opportunities in Washington D.C. The chapter also highlights the risks associated with reinvention, particularly in the context of Linda's personal and professional life.

00:03:40

From Humble Beginnings to Political Success

This chapter delves into Linda's early life in Pocahontas, Arkansas, a rural community where she grew up in poverty. Despite her humble beginnings, Linda became a successful businesswoman and community leader, eventually entering politics as a Democrat.

00:06:49

The Political Transformation and its Consequences

This chapter focuses on Linda's decision to switch parties from Democrat to Republican while in office, a move that shocked the political world. The chapter explores the reasons behind her decision and the consequences of her political transformation.

00:09:23

The Tumultuous Years Leading to Linda's Murder

This chapter details the tumultuous period in Linda's life leading up to her murder. It covers her divorce from her husband Phil Smith, the ensuing financial battles, and her loss of the 2018 election, which marked the end of her career as a senator.

00:12:59

Linda's New Beginnings and Mysterious Disappearance

This chapter explores Linda's attempts to move on from her divorce and political defeat. She began dating a man named Rendell Wallace and pursued a lobbying job in Washington D.C. However, Linda mysteriously disappeared after a trip to D.C., sparking concern among her friends and family.

00:15:15

The Investigation Begins and the Discovery of Linda's Murder

This chapter details the discovery of Linda's body, wrapped in a tarp in her driveway. The chapter also introduces the investigation, which quickly determined that Linda's death was a homicide.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were some of the challenges Linda Collins-Smith faced in her attempt to reinvent herself?

  Linda faced challenges in both her personal and professional life. Her divorce was messy and financially draining, and she lost her re-election bid, ending her career as a senator. She was also trying to navigate a new relationship and pursue a lobbying job in Washington D.C.

• Why did Linda's ex-husband Phil Smith become a prime suspect in her murder?

  Phil became a suspect due to the bitter divorce proceedings and Linda's expressed fear of him. She had accused him of misconduct and believed he had previously tried to poison her.

• How did the surveillance footage from Linda's security cameras play a crucial role in solving the case?

  The footage captured Becky O'Donnell entering Linda's house, placing a knife into a bag, and leaving with blood on her hands. This evidence directly implicated Becky as the perpetrator and led to her arrest.

• What was Tim Loggins's reaction to the revelation of Becky's guilt?

  Tim was shocked, hurt, and angry to learn that his fiancée had been lying to him and was responsible for Linda's murder. He had been completely fooled by Becky's claims of innocence and her manipulation.

• What was the lasting impact of Linda Collins-Smith's murder on her family and community?

  Linda's murder left a deep void in her family and community. Her daughter Tate described the loss of her mother as a significant absence, and the case highlighted the dangers of trusting those closest to us.

Show Notes