Podcast Summary: 20/20 - "Red-Handed (Rebroadcast)"
Introduction
The "Red-Handed" episode of ABC News' 20/20 delves deep into the harrowing true crime case of Linda Collins Smith, a prominent former Arkansas state senator whose life was brutally cut short. Released on August 2, 2025, this rebroadcast revisits the intricate web of political ambition, personal turmoil, and shocking betrayal that led to her untimely death.
Background on Linda Collins Smith
Linda Collins Smith was a dynamic figure in Arkansas politics, known for her ambition and dedication to her community. Born and raised in the rural countryside of Pocahontas, Arkansas, Linda exhibited leadership qualities from a young age. As Brad Milkey narrates, "Linda was always the shining star. There was never a quiet moment with Linda" ([03:39]).
Her early life was marked by modest means, living in a small house without running water until her teenage years. Despite these challenges, Linda excelled in sales, initially selling Tupperware before transitioning to real estate, where she found significant success. Her vibrant personality was evident in her penchant for the color red, from her attire to her red pickup truck ([05:44]).
Political Career
Linda's foray into politics began after her marriage to Phil Smith, an up-and-coming local lawyer. Together, they became a formidable power couple in Pocahontas, expanding their real estate business and investing in local motels. Phil's appointment as a circuit court judge in 2009 further solidified their influence in the region ([07:11]).
In 2010, Linda made a bold move by running for a seat in the Arkansas House of Representatives as a Democrat. Her meteoric rise was soon met with a dramatic party switch in 2014, when she declared, "I have joined the Republican Party of Arkansas" ([08:27]). This shift was controversial, burning bridges with her former party but aligning her with the state's growing conservative base. Her conservative stance on issues like economic development, pro-life policies, and the Second Amendment earned her the nickname "the bulldog" among colleagues ([10:30]).
Personal Life and Divorce
Despite her professional success, Linda's personal life was fraught with challenges. Her marriage to Phil Smith, though initially harmonious, deteriorated into a bitter divorce. The separation was acrimonious, with disagreements over properties, finances, and Phil's career as a judge. Linda's fear for her safety became evident when she installed a comprehensive security camera system at her home, a precaution influenced by her troubled marriage ([12:07]).
Brad Milkey recounts the strain of the divorce, highlighting the emotional and financial toll it took on Linda. The proceedings were marked by allegations of abuse and financial misconduct, culminating in mutual restraining orders and ongoing legal battles over assets worth approximately $2 million ([17:00]).
Disappearance and Discovery
In May 2019, following her loss in a tightly contested re-election bid for the State Senate by a margin of merely 600 votes, Linda decided to pursue further political opportunities in Washington D.C. However, shortly after returning from a trip on Memorial Day, Linda vanished without a trace. Her family’s panic intensified when, a week later, her body was discovered under a tarp in her backyard, wrapped in a blanket and showing signs of decomposition ([33:07]).
The discovery was made by Linda's son, Butch Smith, and her father during a wellness check, revealing a gruesome scene that immediately pointed to foul play. Brad Milkey describes the moment of discovery: "I saw my mom there and she was wrapped up in one of my blankets... Linda Collins Smith was found dead in an advanced state of decomposition" ([33:32]).
Investigation
The investigation into Linda's death was swift and intense, especially with the high-profile nature of the victim. Initial suspicions naturally fell on Phil Smith, given the tumultuous divorce and his previous position as a judge. However, Phil vehemently denied any involvement, insisting he had no reason to harm Linda and that any allegations were baseless ([22:03]).
As investigators combed through evidence, including the sophisticated security camera system Linda had installed, they faced obstacles such as missing cameras and tampered footage. A key breakthrough came when video from a security company in Los Angeles was retrieved, revealing audio of the murder and a shadowy figure resembling a ghost hunting show scene moving suspiciously within the house ([47:17]).
Suspicion Falls on Becky O'Donnell
The investigation took a dramatic turn when Linda's close friend, Becky O'Donnell, was arrested in connection with the murder. Evidence against Becky included a handwritten suicide note falsely attributed to Phil Smith, confessing to the murder and subsequent suicide. Handwriting analysis confirmed Becky’s involvement, and additional video footage captured her with a bloody knife, solidifying the case against her ([77:37]).
The story revealed Becky’s manipulative nature, highlighted by her past plot to have her husband killed during her previous marriage—a plan that had never materialized due to insufficient evidence. This disturbing history painted Becky as a calculated and cold-blooded individual capable of extreme actions to protect her interests ([66:25]).
Trial and Guilty Plea
In a courtroom packed with emotion and tension, Becky O'Donnell faced charges of capital murder, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence. Initially pleading not guilty, Becky eventually switched her plea to guilty, stating, "I went over to Linda's house and I intentionally killed her and concealed her body" ([74:58]). Her lack of remorse and the finality of her confession left no room for doubt among the investigators, though questions about her true motivations lingered.
Despite Becky’s guilty plea, the case remained shrouded in unanswered questions, particularly surrounding the initial gag order that prevented the release of critical evidence. The lifting of this gag order later revealed damning video footage, including Becky placing a bloody knife in her handbag, further corroborating her guilt ([77:22]).
Aftermath
The resolution of Linda Collins Smith’s murder brought a sense of closure to her family, though the emotional scars remain deep. Her children, Butch and Tate, expressed their grief and disbelief over losing their mother and grandmother to such a senseless act. Tate reflected, "She did so much in her life. She is so much more than just her murder, just how she died" ([81:09]).
The lifting of the gag order allowed the public to finally see the incriminating evidence, though Becky was moved out of state to a secretive facility, raising suspicions about the transparency of the investigation. The Arkansas Department of Corrections' reluctance to disclose her exact whereabouts fueled rumors and distrust among the community, though investigators remained confident in their conclusion that Becky acted alone ([79:05]).
Conclusions
"Red-Handed" offers a meticulously detailed account of Linda Collins Smith's rise, personal struggles, and tragic demise. Through compelling narratives, interviews, and critical evidence, 20/20 illuminates the complexities of political life intertwined with personal betrayal. The episode underscores the fragility of trust and the devastating consequences that can arise from hidden motives and unresolved conflicts.
Key Quotes:
- Brad Milkey on the shock of discovery: "I could see where her suitcase was there with the tags on it... There was a body found." ([35:15])
- Reflecting on Linda's personality: "She just loved people and she just wanted the best. She wanted the best for everybody." ([81:42])
- Linda's son Butch on realizing Becky’s betrayal: "I felt like somebody else might actually go through the plan." ([69:35])
- Brad Milkey on the final evidence: "We got her. We got her." ([77:37])
This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of human relationships and the tragic outcomes that can result from unchecked ambition and concealed truths.