(AP) — A woman charged with killing a former Arkansas state lawmaker faces new charges alleging that she asked fellow inmates to kill the victim’s ex-husband.
Authorities on Tuesday charged Rebecca Lynn O’Donnell with two counts of criminal solicitation to commit capital murder and two counts of criminal solicitation to commit tampering with physical evidence.
O’Donnell was charged last year with capital murder in the death of former state Sen. Linda Collins.
An affidavit filed Tuesday says four inmates told a State Police investigator that O’Donnell talked with them about killing Collins’ ex-husband and making the death look like a suicide.
Collins’ family released the following statement on the recent developments:
“We, the family, would like to thank the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and the Arkansas State Police for their continued vigilance and swift response in dealing with this latest incident. We have full faith that the investigators acted on solid evidence supporting these charges and not just on a whim. We appreciate the transparency shown by all agencies involved in this matter. These newest charges further cement in our minds that the police have arrested the right person. Rebecca O’Donnell’s threats are being treated very seriously but have not deterred our faith in what we are committed to, justice for Linda. Thank you all for your continued support, prayers and well wishes.”
Author: ANDREW DeMILLO, Associated Press
