Author Archives: Toby

Mayor was right

Local Comment The Sentinel-Record 1-17-1977 The disappearance of Linda Edwards has stirred up a great deal of emotion around town. Rumors and criticism abound. In at least one instance, Mayor Tom Ellsworth has been unnecessarily criticized. In a recent Sentinel-Record … Continue reading

Posted in 1977 | Leave a comment

No new evidence

By MARK PHILLIPS The Sentinel-Record 3-2-1977 Representatives of the Arkansas State Police will be meeting with the Hot Spring County prosecuting attorney next Tuesday to discuss the current investigation into the death of Garland County Sheriff’s Deputy Linda Edwards. In … Continue reading

Posted in 1977 | Leave a comment

So, open the grave

Arkansas Times  7-26-2007 After 30 years, a murder victim’s son mistrusts officials’ reluctance.  By Mara Leveritt Mike Fletcher was a young investigator for the Arkansas State Police in 1976, when he was assigned to investigate the disappearance of Linda Edwards, … Continue reading

Posted in 2007 | 3 Comments

Still no answers

By JAMES JENNINGS The Sentinel-Record 8-22-2007 Another year has passed, 31 in all, since 29-year-old Garland County Sheriff’s Department dispatcher Linda Edwards was killed, and her family is frustrated the the person or persons responsible for her death still have … Continue reading

Posted in 2007 | Leave a comment

Letter to the editor

Thank you to the following newspapers for publishing our Letter to the Editor: 8-22-2007 Batesville Daily Guard Newport Daily Independent Texarkana Gazette The Sheridan Headlight Dear Editor: Murder, lies, sex…sounds like something out of a soap opera. Unfortunately, this affected … Continue reading

Posted in 2007 | Leave a comment

In Memoriam

ARKANSAS SHERIFF and deputy page 20 The Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association wishes to express its sympathy to the family and friends of the following law enforcement officers who passed away this past year. These men and women were dedicated officers and … Continue reading

Posted in 1976 | Leave a comment

Following two hours of testimony: Jury votes not to indict Abernathy

By BENNIE IVORY The Sentinel-Record 6-17-1979 MALVERN– The Hot Spring County Grand Jury voted unanimously Friday not to return a first-degree murder indictment against Hot Springs Police Lt. Thurman Abernathy for the 1976 death of Garland County Deputy Sheriff Linda Edwards. The Grand Jury reached the decision after listening to just over … Continue reading

Posted in 1979 | Leave a comment

The Thumb Awards 2-27-1978

The Sentinel-Record 2-27-1978 Thumbs down to a system of justice that supposedly provides for a speedy trial while also allowing a policeman charged with first degree murder to possibly go more than a year before his case is finally heard.

Posted in 1978 | Leave a comment

Allegedly Pregnant

Publication  Unknown – 8-9-1978 Sarah Edwards, a State Police radio dispatcher, testified Tuesday that Linda Edwards and Abernathy had had an affair for approximately three years before her death. Sarah Edwards said Linda Edwards became pregnant and told her Abernathy … Continue reading

Posted in 1978 | 1 Comment