By DENNIS WOOTON
The Sentinel-Record 2-15-1977

Reports from the Arkansas State Police and the Garland County Sheriff’s Office indicated the State Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Monday that “multiple blows to the head” were the apparent cause in the death of Garland County Sheriff’s Deputy Linda Louise Edwards.

Ms. Edwards’ skeletal remains were discovered by a hunter on Jack Mountain, located about eight miles southeast of Hot Springs, just inside Hot Spring County. Maj. W.A. Tudor of the State Police Criminal Investigation Division said Sunday the bones were scattered by “post-mortem animal activity” and recovered in an area measuring 100 feet by 1,000 feet. Several rings and articles of clothing were also recovered.

CID Sgt. Mike Fletcher issued a plea Monday for public assistance in locating what he called “an important piece of evidence.” Fletcher said Ms. Edwards was believed to have been carrying a blue denim purse at the time of her disappearance last August. Also missing is her Garland County Sheriff’s Deputy badge, No.137, and her official identification card. Fletcher asked that anyone finding any of these items mark the location and contact State Police Troop K at 262-1814.

Ms. Edwards’ abandoned car was recovered on Highway 290 (about eight miles from the site of the discovery of her remains) shortly after her disappearance.

Fletcher said Monday he is in the process of having a survey made and acquiring aerial photos of the area in which the remains were found.

Fletcher refused to comment on the possibility of an imminent arrest. Should an arrest be made, the case will probably be conducted by Hot Spring County authorities. Henry B. Means is circuit judge for that county and John Cole is prosecuting attorney. Malvern is the county seat.