The Sentinel-Record 3-8-1977

Hot Spring County Prosecuting Attorney John Cole Monday confirmed that he will meet with Arkansas State Police investigators in Hot Springs today to review the findings of an investigation into the death of Garland County Sheriff’s Deputy Linda Edwards.

Cole said the meeting, which will be held at Troop K Headquarters here, was scheduled at his request so he could review the facts and evidence uncovered by state investigators.

Anticipating a lengthy meeting, Cole said he planned to familiarize himself with “the whole thing,”  but said he was particularly interested in being brought up to date on investigative work completed in the last few weeks.

Although there may still be some “additional loose ends to be checked,” Cole said he thinks the substance of the investigation is complete.

He also said it is a normal procedure for the prosecutor  to meet with law enforcement officials handling an investigation in order to review the findings and decide if any additional areas need attention.

However, Cole said he would not know if further investigation will be necessary until he has completed the review.

When and if charges will be filed in connection  with  the case will be based largely on Cole’s meeting with investigators, he said. But he noted that the meeting is a standard and normal procedure and will not necessarily result in any immediate legal action.

However, Cole did hint that some action might be taken in the very near future.