20/20 After Show: Red Handed – A Comprehensive Summary

Episode Title: The After Show: Red Handed
Release Date: August 4, 2025
Host: Debra Roberts
Guest: Josh Margolin, Chief Investigative Reporter, ABC News

Introduction

In this gripping episode of the 20/20 After Show, host Debra Roberts delves deep into the haunting true crime case titled Red Handed. Joining her is Josh Margolin, ABC News's Chief Investigative Reporter, to unravel the complexities surrounding the murder of former Arkansas state senator Linda Collins Smith by her best friend, Becky O'Donnell. This summary encapsulates their in-depth discussion, shedding light on the puzzling aspects of the case, the investigative challenges, and the profound impact on the victims' family.

Background of the Case

The episode revisits the shocking murder of Linda Collins Smith, a respected former Arkansas state senator, who was killed by her close friend, Becky O'Donnell. Initially, it was established that Becky acted alone, but as Roberts and Margolin uncover, the story is far more intricate.

Debra Roberts [00:32]: "It's a close examination of the murder of former Arkansas state senator Linda Collins Smith. This one was really an unusual story and if you haven't heard that episode yet, you're gonna wanna go back and listen."

Current Status of Becky O'Donnell

One of the enduring mysteries of the case is the current whereabouts of Becky O'Donnell. Despite being in the custody of the Arkansas Department of Corrections, her exact location remains undisclosed.

Josh Margolin [01:54]: "We don't know. It's one of the enduring mysteries of a really strange, mysterious case. She's in the custody of the state Department of Corrections, the prison system in Arkansas, but she's been transferred out of Arkansas."

Efforts to obtain information about her location have been met with strict refusals, raising suspicions and fueling conspiracy theories surrounding the case.

Josh Margolin [02:36]: "The Department of Corrections in Arkansas says that they do not have an obligation and in fact, they're prohibited from specifying what state or what prison in a particular state."

Challenges in Reporting

Roberts and Margolin discuss the formidable obstacles faced in uncovering the truth, primarily due to stringent gag orders that limited access to crucial information.

Debra Roberts [02:10]: "But that just creates more suspicion around this case, don't you think?"

The team had to resort to legal action to unseal documents hidden under gag orders, a rare and challenging move that underscored the case's complexity.

Debra Roberts [03:26]: "She has not spoken out at all, other than the one or two sentences that she uttered in court that morning, that she pleaded guilty."

The Family’s Perspective

Linda Collins Smith's children, Tate and Butch, offer a poignant insight into the personal toll of the tragedy. Initially believing their stepfather was responsible, their unwavering support for Becky underscores the emotional turmoil they endured.

Debra Roberts [21:08]: "They were very, very reluctant. ... They sat down with us in a little theater that they had acted in as kids. ... They were just so emotional, but just began to talk so lovingly of their mom."

Their interviews reveal the deep-seated pain and confusion following their mother's untimely death.

Josh Margolin [22:12]: "To hear this admit to that feeling, as ugly as that is, really showed a remarkable level of candor."

Conspiracy Theories and Public Suspicion

The secrecy surrounding the case has inadvertently given rise to numerous conspiracy theories. Speculations about undue influence by judicial or political figures persist, despite a lack of evidence.

Josh Margolin [06:20]: "There are these crazy gag orders that are barring any real information from coming out."

The reluctance of authorities to divulge information has only fueled public distrust and skepticism regarding the investigation's integrity.

Key Evidence and Details of the Crime

A particularly damning piece of evidence is the surveillance video capturing Becky O'Donnell with a knife, vividly portraying the moment of the murder. The video's authenticity and the sheer improbability of such evidence existing have left investigators and viewers alike baffled.

Josh Margolin [06:36]: "The odds of something like that, especially the knife video that you're talking about, it's like astronomical odds that it would still be running and recording at the right angle, getting her face with the bloody knife all in."

Additional mysterious footage suggests possible attempts to conceal the crime scene, adding layers of ambiguity to the case.

Investigative Breakthroughs

The ABC team’s persistence, despite numerous setbacks, eventually led to significant breakthroughs. Legal battles culminated in the release of critical documents, enabling a deeper understanding of the homicide and the investigation's nuances.

Josh Margolin [10:40]: "We would have just passed it by. But they said, this is really rare, this is really strange."

The interplay between the pandemic's impact and the legal system further complicated the investigative process, delaying the uncovering of vital information.

Unanswered Questions and Ongoing Mysteries

Despite extensive reporting, many aspects of the case remain unresolved. The reasons behind the extensive secrecy, the exact motives of Becky O'Donnell, and the full scope of the conspiracy theories continue to perplex both the public and investigators.

Josh Margolin [29:48]: "For the life of me, I can't understand the secrecy. ... If there's nothing to hide, then why are you hiding?"

The episode concludes on a contemplative note, emphasizing the lingering uncertainties that envelop the case.

Conclusion

The After Show: Red Handed offers a meticulous exploration of a case fraught with mystery, emotional upheaval, and investigative hurdles. Through the collaborative efforts of Debra Roberts and Josh Margolin, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted elements that make Linda Collins Smith's murder by Becky O'Donnell a perplexing true crime story. As the search for answers continues, the episode underscores the enduring impact of secrecy and the unyielding pursuit of truth in investigative journalism.

Notable Quotes:

• Debra Roberts [00:32]: "It's a close examination of the murder of former Arkansas state senator Linda Collins Smith."

• Josh Margolin [01:54]: "We don't know. It's one of the enduring mysteries of a really strange, mysterious case."

• Josh Margolin [02:36]: "The Department of Corrections in Arkansas says that they do not have an obligation and in fact, they're prohibited from specifying what state or what prison in a particular state."

• Josh Margolin [29:48]: "For the life of me, I can't understand the secrecy. ... If there's nothing to hide, then why are you hiding?"

This episode serves as a testament to the relentless dedication of investigative journalism in uncovering truths hidden beneath layers of secrecy and misinformation.