“Red Handed”: 20/20 Reports on Linda Collins-Smith Homicide August 1 2025

ABC’s 20/20 returns on Friday, August 1, 2025, with Red Handed, a two-hour encore presentation exploring the brutal and deeply personal murder of former Arkansas State Senator Linda Collins-Smith. Co-anchor Deborah Roberts leads the in-depth report, unraveling the complex relationships, hidden betrayals, and devastating consequences that rocked a tight-knit Arkansas community. Through exclusive interviews, firsthand accounts, and investigative insights, the episode presents the full story of a promising public servant’s life cut short—by someone she trusted most.

The case, which first made headlines in 2019, stunned not just the town of Pocahontas, Arkansas, but also political observers across the country. Collins-Smith had built a respected political career and maintained a strong presence in Republican circles, only to be found dead in the driveway of her home under chilling circumstances. The arrest of Becky O’Donnell—her friend, business associate, and political confidante—would reveal a betrayal so complete that even those closest to Collins struggled to comprehend it.

A Life of Determination and Public Service

Linda F. Collins was born and raised in rural Arkansas, eventually settling in Pocahontas where she became a successful hotelier and real estate agent. She entered politics as a Democrat, serving in the Arkansas House of Representatives beginning in 2011. However, she quickly shifted to the Republican Party and later won a seat in the Arkansas Senate in 2014. Throughout her career, Collins was known for her strong conservative values, advocacy for privacy rights, and support for gun ownership.

Despite legislative setbacks and a contentious political climate, Collins remained committed to her constituents. After losing her Senate seat in a tight 2018 primary, she hoped to reignite her political ambitions. Tragically, those aspirations ended in May 2019, just after she returned from a trip to Washington, D.C.

Discovery and Suspicion

On June 4, 2019, Linda’s father and her son, Butch Smith, visited her home after not hearing from her for several days. They discovered a dark stain on the kitchen floor, initially mistaking it for spilled coffee. Outside, under a tarp in the driveway, they found her decomposing body. Authorities later confirmed she had been stabbed multiple times.

Given Linda’s recent and messy divorce from Judge Philip Smith, suspicion quickly fell on her ex-husband. The divorce had involved significant financial disputes, with millions of dollars in assets at stake. Both of her children also initially believed Smith had a motive. Investigators, however, found no evidence implicating him and began searching for other suspects.

Uncovering the Truth Through Surveillance

What ultimately cracked the case was the very home-security system Linda had installed herself. While the physical cameras had been removed from the property, investigators were able to recover stored footage. That footage captured Becky O’Donnell, Linda’s close friend and former campaign aide, tampering with the equipment and holding a bloodied knife.

O’Donnell had not only worked alongside Collins in politics but also handled her finances and had even delivered remarks at her memorial service. The revelation of her involvement was a devastating blow to Linda’s family and community. It painted a picture of a calculated betrayal, not a crime of passion but one rooted in deceit and financial misconduct.

The Trial and Guilty Plea

Initially, O’Donnell pleaded not guilty to charges of capital murder, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with physical evidence. She claimed she was being framed and pointed the finger at Philip Smith. However, as investigators uncovered financial inconsistencies and statements from jailhouse informants, the case against her grew stronger.

Facing overwhelming evidence, O’Donnell ultimately confessed in August 2020. “I intentionally killed her and then hid the body,” she told the court. As part of a plea deal to avoid the death penalty, she was sentenced to 43 years in prison. The plea brought a measure of closure to Linda’s family, though the emotional toll remains deep.

The Role of Informants and Unraveling Motives

A critical component in building the case against O’Donnell came from inmates who shared a cell with her after her arrest. These jailhouse informants told prosecutors that O’Donnell had spoken openly about the killing, even attempting to solicit others to harm witnesses or tamper with evidence. These statements provided context for O’Donnell’s motives—namely, ongoing theft from Collins and fear of being exposed.

Investigators believe O’Donnell snapped when Collins confronted her about the missing funds. According to Linda’s son, she had grown increasingly suspicious of her friend’s handling of their jointly owned properties and financial affairs. Rather than face accountability, O’Donnell chose to commit a violent act that forever changed two families.

A Legacy Marred by Betrayal

In interviews featured on 20/20, Linda’s children, Butch Smith and Tate Williams, speak candidly about their mother’s strength, ideals, and the shocking betrayal they never saw coming. Their reflections underline the emotional weight of losing a parent in such a brutal and calculated manner. They remember Linda not just as a politician, but as a devoted mother and grandmother whose life ended at the hands of someone she trusted.

Tim Loggains, O’Donnell’s former fiancé and a mutual friend of Collins, also shared his grief and disbelief. He, too, had never imagined that Becky—who lived in their home—was capable of such a crime. His cooperation with authorities and willingness to speak out added depth to the understanding of how the trust Linda placed in Becky was weaponized against her.

Conclusion

20/20’s Red Handed episode is more than a true crime retelling—it is a sobering look at how power, trust, and ambition can intersect with devastating consequences. Linda Collins-Smith’s murder serves as a reminder of the dangers that can lie behind even the closest of friendships, and how even the most vigilant individuals can fall victim to betrayal. Through powerful interviews and thorough reporting, the episode honors Collins’ life while shedding light on the disturbing events that led to her death.