A former Arkansas state Senator was found shot dead inside of her house in Randolph County.
Linda Collins-Smith, a Democrat who later changed to the Republican party, appeared to have been murdered, her former press secretary Ken Yang said on Twitter.
KAIT reported that an investigation is underway, confirming that Collins-Smith was found dead and that the death was being probed as suspicious.
Sheriff Kevin Bell said that Collins-Smith identity has not been confirmed and that officials are waiting on test results from the state’s crime lab.
I am shocked and in tears. That’s my friend, Linda has always been there for me! I’m speechless…Former State Senator @Linda4Senate was found dead this evening in her home. Reports say it appears to be murder. #arpx #arleg #ARnews pic.twitter.com/tHOXY5MZFZ
— Ken Yang (@kenyangAR) June 5, 2019
KAIT reporter Shelby Smith said Bell told her there would be a press conference on Wednesday where officials would release more information.
Yang told KAIT that neighbors heard gunshots a day or two before Collins-Smith was found on June 4. Her body was reportedly found wrapped in a blanket.
The NEA Report blog first reported the death. Sources told the blog that the death was not of natural causes. A neighbor said that she was killed by a gunshot while a law enforcement source said that it did not appear to be a suicide.
A picture published by the website showed police tape around the home and a number of vehicles outside.
I’m at Former Senator Linda Collins-Smith’s house where police are investigating an unattended death as suspicious. Sheriff Bell told they do not believe the public is in danger. pic.twitter.com/SlzhIVjIxq
— ShelbySmithsonKAIT (@SSmithsonKAIT) June 5, 2019
The State Crime Lab just pulled in. pic.twitter.com/oaKsJ4fSm1
— ShelbySmithsonKAIT (@SSmithsonKAIT) June 5, 2019
Collins-Smith served in the state House of Representatives from 2010 before becoming a state Senator. She was defeated in the 2018 election.
Her official website described her as a businesswoman, an entrepreneur, and a community leader.
“She is a tireless advocate for conservative principles and traditional values. She believes in limited government, lower taxes, and ending burdensome regulations. She stands for a child’s right to life from conception, for religious freedom, for our Second Amendment rights, for individual liberty, and for greater personal responsibility,” it stated.
“She is a lifetime member of the NRA and founding member of the Friends of the NRA in Hardy. Linda grew up in the rural Arkansas Ozarks. She knows what it is like to carry water from the spring and cut her own firewood. Her background taught her the value of hard work, and the blessing of living in a land where everyone, from the poor country girl to the inner city street kid, had the opportunity to achieve their dreams through industry and determination. She has dedicated herself to the cause of restoring those opportunities to our children and grandchildren.”
Elected officials expressed their condolences after the news spread.
I am in shock over the news of Sen. Linda Collins-Smith’s death. I am heartbroken for her family & friends as they grieve, & my thoughts & prayers are w/ them during this tragic time. Linda was a friend who had a deep faith in God & passion for her state & nation. She is missed.
— Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin (@LtGovTimGriffin) June 5, 2019
To so many of us, Senator Linda Collins-Smith was more than just a colleague. She was a friend and warm person. We are stunned and saddened to hear of her death.
Please join us in prayer as we remember her family and her loved ones. #arpx pic.twitter.com/7Gfx4BDiox
— Democratic Party of Arkansas (@ArkDems) June 5, 2019
I’m saddened to learn of Linda Collins-Smith’s untimely passing. This tragedy is a shock to her community and our entire state. I am praying her loved ones and all those mourning her find peace and comfort in this difficult time. We are grateful for her service to Arkansans.
— Senator John Boozman (@JohnBoozman) June 5, 2019
“I am in shock over the news of Sen. Linda Collins-Smith’s death. I am heartbroken for her family & friends as they grieve, & my thoughts & prayers are w/ them during this tragic time,” wrote Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin.
“Linda was a friend who had a deep faith in God & passion for her state & nation. She is missed.”
“I’m saddened to hear about the death of former State Senator Linda Collins-Smith,” added state Rep. Rick Crawford.
“She always worked hard for her constituents and I ask you keep her family and her friends in your prayers as they mourn her passing.”
