By LARRY AULT The Sentinel-Record 1-14-1977 Col. Doug Harp, director of the Arkansas State Police, says that the investigation into the disappearance of Garland County Sheriff’s Deputy Linda Edwards is continuing, even though law enforcement authorities have come up against … Continue reading →

By LARRY AULT The Sentinel-Record  1-15-1977 Mrs. Irene Browning, mother of Linda Edwards, a Garland County Sheriff’s Deputy who has been missing for the past five months, said Friday in an interview that despite all the conversation regarding the legalities … Continue reading →

Local comment The Sentinel-Record 1-15-1977 Garland County Sheriff Leon Barlow this past week jumped into the Linda Edwards mystery with both feet and landed with one foot squarely on the back of city police. Whatever his motivation in writing the … Continue reading →

Local Comment The Sentinel-Record 1-16-1977 Are city officials dragging their feet in the investigation of the disappearance of Linda Edwards? Probably not but Mrs. Edwards’ relatives and others think so and have thought so for some time. There is no … Continue reading →

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 →

The Sentinel-Record 1-19-1977 By LARRY AULT Sam Stathakis, chairman of the Hot Springs Civil Service Commission, Tuesday made public a letter written to Garland County Sheriff Leon Barlow in response to criticism Barlow had levied against city officials in connection … Continue reading →

From our readers: The Sentinel-Record 1-1977 Dear editor: Linda Edwards’ mother, Mrs. Browning, stated that the city officials don’t care about her daughter. I believe nobody cares about anybody here in Hot Springs unless you tell them you’re from the … Continue reading →

From our readers: The Sentinel-Record 1-26-1977 Dear editor: I am disgusted with the criticism levied at Sheriff Barlow in the recent articles in your paper in regard to the Edwards case. If the city officials have nothing to cover up, … Continue reading →

From our readers: The Sentinel-Record 2-3-1977 Dear editor: I recently read an article in your newspaper concerning the missing lady Deputy, Linda Edwards and what efforts Sheriff Leon Barlow had put forth to find out what has happened to her. … Continue reading →

By DENNIS WOOTON The Sentinel-Record 2-14-1977 JACK MOUNTAIN – Skeletal remains later identified as those of Garland County Sheriff’s Deputy Linda Edwards, 29, missing since August, were discovered scattered across the face of this Hot Spring County mountain by a … Continue reading →

The Sentinel-Record 2-14-1977 With the discovery of the remains of Garland County Sheriff’s Deputy Linda Edwards in a wooded area several miles south of the city Saturday, so ends a search that stymied local and state law enforcement officers for … Continue reading →

The Sentinel-Record 2-14-1977 The hunter who located the first of the skeletal remains of missing Garland County Sheriff’s Deputy Linda Edwards Saturday said Sunday night he had hunted in the same general area several times since her disappearance last August … Continue reading →

Batesville Daily Guard 2-14-1977 HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (AP) – The death of a Garland County deputy sheriff whose skeletal remains were found Sunday is expected to be ruled a homicide. The deputy, Linda Louise Edwards, 29, had been missing since … Continue reading →

Local Comment The Sentinel-Record   2-14-1977 Although it is an unhappy ending to a tormenting story, the discovery this past weekend of the remains of Linda Edwards at least allows her to be put to rest at long last. Her private … Continue reading →

By MARK PHILLIPS The Sentinel-Record 2-14-1977 The overwhelming emotions felt Sunday, by the family of missing Sheriff’s Deputy Linda Edwards were ones of remorse and relief. Ms. Edwards’ remains were discovered Saturday on Jack Mountain by hunters and identified Sunday … Continue reading →

The Sentinel-Record   2-15-1977 Linda Louise Edwards, 29 at the time of her disappearance last August, was found dead Saturday afternoon on Jack Mountain in Hot Spring County. She was a native and life resident of Hot Springs and a Garland … Continue reading →

Gazette State News Service  2-15-1977 HOT SPRINGS – The state Medical Examiner’s Office reported Monday that Garland County Deputy Sheriff Linda L. Edwards died from “multiple blows to the head,” the State Police said. Sgt. Mike Fletcher of the Criminal … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

By Roy Ockert Jr. Batesville Daily Guard 2-17-1977 WE HAD REACHED THE END of the road in trying to find my sister, Linda Edwards, who was last seen alive about midnight last Aug. 21. For days and days, this writer, … Continue reading →

The Sentinel-Record 2-18-1977 A memorial service has been scheduled Friday at 2 p.m. for Linda Louise (Ockert) Edwards. 29, the Garland County sheriff’s deputy who was found dead Sunday. Mrs. Edwards had been missing since last Aug. 22. when her … Continue reading →

By MARK PHILLIPS The Sentinel-Record 2-24-1977 The findings of an Arkansas State Police investigation into the death of Garland County Sheriff’s Deputy Linda Edwards should be in the hands of Hot Spring County Prosecuting Attorney John Cole within the next … Continue reading →

The Sentinel-Record 2-25-1977 Black flags of mourning currently are being flown on the radio antennas of all patrol and detective cars of the Garland County Sheriff’s Department in memory of deceased Deputy Linda Edwards. Sheriff Leon Barlow said Thursday the … Continue reading →

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 →

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. … Continue reading →

By MARK PHILLIPS The Sentinel-Record 3-9-1977 During a meeting with Arkansas State Police investigators in Hot Springs Tuesday, Hot Spring County Prosecuting Attorney John Cole was given copies of all reports the investigators have developed on the death of Garland … Continue reading →

By MARK Phillips The Sentinel-Record 3-11-1977 The Hot Spring County prosecuting attorney said Thursday he has a suspect in the murder of Garland County Sheriff’s Deputy Linda Edwards, and that he expects to eventually have the evidence needed to file … Continue reading →

The Sentinel-Record 3-12-1977 Those who fear the Linda Edwards matter will eventually be quietly dropped should take heart from the recent statements by the prosecuting attorney who is handling the case. John Cole of Sheridan said emphatically this past week … Continue reading →

The Sentinel-Record 3-19-1977 A spokesman for the Arkansas State Police said Friday that no new developments have occurred in connection with the probe into the murder of Garland County Sheriff’s Deputy Linda Edwards. Representatives of the Prosecuting Attorneys Office in … Continue reading →

The Sentinel-Record 3-29-1977 Hot Spring County Prosecuting Attorney John Cole said Monday he has thoroughly examined the case file on the Linda Edwards death, but wants to see the results of investigations into three additional areas before making a decision … Continue reading →

City Digest The Sentinel-Record 4-20-1977 Hot Spring County Prosecuting Attorney John Cole said Tuesday he will make a decision in May regarding the filing of charges in connection with the murder of Garland County Sheriff’s Deputy Linda Edwards. Cole said … Continue reading →

The Sentinel-Record 5-10-1977 Hot Spring County Prosecuting Attorney John Cole said Monday he anticipates some headway in the investigation of the death of Garland County Sheriff’s Deputy Linda Edwards may be made in June. “We’re not through with the case … Continue reading →

City Digest The Sentinel-Record  5-19-1977 Hot Spring County Prosecuting Attorney John Cole said Wednesday no additional activity has occurred in connection with the investigation by his office of the death of Garland County Sheriff’s Deputy Linda Edwards. The remains of … Continue reading →

The Sentinel-Record 5-19-1977 Late last summer, during the hot weekend of August 21-23, a blonde-haired mother of two from Hot Springs was brutally murdered in or near Hot Springs. By now the killer is probably feeling pretty secure in the … Continue reading →

THIS IS AN INTERESTING ARTICLE REGARDING THE JUDGE WHO RULED ALL OF THE TESTIMONY IN THE LINDA EDWARDS CASE AS “HEARSAY”. The Sentinel-Record 5-19-1977 Associated Press Little Rock – The Committee on Legislative Affairs got organized Wednesday for its inquiry … Continue reading →

The Sentinel-Record 5-21-1977 Dear Editor: I would like to thank you for your very honest editorial in the May 19 paper concerning my daughter’s brutal murder (Linda Edwards). It is indeed unbelievable to me that this case has been shoved … Continue reading →

The Sentinel-Record 6-1-1977 Dear editor: This is a letter to the editor of the Sentinel-Record of Hot Springs and to the Daily Newspaper of Malvern, Ark. and to all of the concerned people of Garland and Hot Spring counties. I … Continue reading →

THIS IS AN INTERESTING ARTICLE REGARDING THE JUDGE WHO RULED ALL OF THE TESTIMONY IN THE LINDA EDWARDS CASE AS “HEARSAY”. The Sentinel-Record   6-14-1977 Little Rock (AP) – The legislative committee investigating Judge Henry B. Means of Malvern will … Continue reading →

By Mark Phillips The Sentinel-Record  6-29-1977 “My children have had to make some big changes, and I have too in trying to be a father and mother to them since Linda disappeared,” says Ray Edwards, the ex-husband of slain Garland … Continue reading →

The Sentinel-Record   7-7-1977 Garland County Sheriff Leon Barlow said Wednesday he personally investigated the discovery of a sheriff’s badge found by a Hot springs woman late Thursday. Barlow said his office was notified about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday that a … Continue reading →

Arkansas Democrat 7-9-1977 HOT SPRINGS– Lt. Thurman L. Abernathy, 36, a narcotics officer with the Hot Springs Police Department, was arrested Friday at his office and charged with first degree murder in the death of Mrs. Linda Edwards, 29, whose … Continue reading →

By NANCY BRITT The Sentinel-Record 7-9-1977 Hot Springs police Lt. Thurman Abernathy was charged Friday afternoon in Hot Spring County with murder in the first degree in connection with the death of Garland County Deputy Sheriff Linda Edwards. Abernathy, who … Continue reading →

The Sentinel-Record 7-16-1977 It is inconceivable to us that a city police lieutenant could be the prime suspect in a first degree murder case and be able to remain on his job, as was the situation with Lt. Thurman Abernathy … Continue reading →

By MIKE MASTERSON Executive editor The Sentinel-Record 7-17-1977 Hot Springs Police Chief Grover Douglas said Thursday he talked with a police lieutenant now charged with first degree murder about that policeman accepting either a voluntary suspension or leave of absence … Continue reading →

THIS IS AN INTERESTING ARTICLE REGARDING THE JUDGE WHO RULED ALL OF THE TESTIMONY IN THE LINDA EDWARDS CASE AS “HEARSAY”. The Sentinel-Record   7-21-1977 Little Rock (AP) – The attorney general’s office has issued six subpoenas for documents related to … Continue reading →

THIS IS AN INTERESTING ARTICLE REGARDING THE JUDGE WHO RULED ALL OF THE TESTIMONY IN THE LINDA EDWARDS CASE AS “HEARSAY”. The Sentinel-Record   7-25-1977 Associated Press Little Rock  – The committee on Legislative Affairs sits down this week for … Continue reading →

THIS IS AN INTERESTING ARTICLE REGARDING THE JUDGE WHO RULED ALL OF THE TESTIMONY IN THE LINDA EDWARDS CASE AS “HEARSAY”. The Sentinel-Record   7-26-1977 Little Rock  – Witnesses disagreed Monday over whether Judge Henry B. Means of Malvern broke a … Continue reading →

THIS IS AN INTERESTING ARTICLE REGARDING THE JUDGE WHO RULED ALL OF THE TESTIMONY IN THE LINDA EDWARDS CASE AS “HEARSAY”. The Sentinel-Record   7-27-1977 Little Rock  (AP) – Atty. Gen. Bill Clinton produced data Tuesday showing that Judge Henry B. … Continue reading →

By NANCY BRITT The Sentinel-Record 7-29-1977 A charge of first degree murder against Hot Springs police Lt. Thurman Abernathy was filed direct in Hot Spring County Circuit Court Thursday, bypassing Municipal Court and grand jury proceedings. Abernathy was charged July … Continue reading →

City Digest The Sentinel-Record 8-4-1977 Hot Spring County Prosecuting Attorney John Cole said Wednesday the first-degree murder trial of Hot Springs Police Lt. Thurman Abernathy probably will not be set until January or early February. He said it is unlikely … Continue reading →

City Digest The Sentinel-Record 8-18-1977 The Hot Springs Civil Service Commission has continued indefinitely a suspension of police Lt. Thurman Abernathy which was initiated by Police Chief Grover Douglas on July 8, when the officer was charged with first degree murder in … Continue reading →

THIS IS AN INTERESTING ARTICLE REGARDING THE JUDGE WHO RULED ALL OF THE TESTIMONY IN THE LINDA EDWARDS CASE AS “HEARSAY”. The Sentinel-Record   8-30-1977 Little Rock (AP) – Judge Henry B. Means of Malvern showed up Monday at the meeting … Continue reading →

THIS IS AN INTERESTING ARTICLE REGARDING THE JUDGE WHO RULED ALL OF THE TESTIMONY IN THE LINDA EDWARDS CASE AS “HEARSAY”. The Sentinel-Record   8-31-1977 Little Rock (AP) – A legislative committee concluded late Tuesday that Judge Henry B. Means of … Continue reading →

THIS IS AN INTERESTING ARTICLE REGARDING THE JUDGE WHO RULED ALL OF THE TESTIMONY IN THE LINDA EDWARDS CASE AS “HEARSAY”. The Sentinel-Record   9-4-1977 Little Rock (AP) – “When it came down to it, I think the committee could see … Continue reading →

THIS IS AN INTERESTING ARTICLE REGARDING THE JUDGE WHO RULED ALL OF THE TESTIMONY IN THE LINDA EDWARDS CASE AS “HEARSAY”. The Sentinel-Record   9-24-1977 Associated Press MALVERN, Ark – Judge Henry B. Means of Malvern, circuit judge of the 7th … Continue reading →

City Digest Sentinel-Record 10-9-1977 Former Garland County Sheriff’s Deputy Linda Louise Edwards who was apparently murdered on Aug. 22, 1976 and whose remains were found on Jack Mountain in February, was buried in Greenwood Cemetery Saturday morning with only family … Continue reading →

THIS IS AN INTERESTING ARTICLE REGARDING THE JUDGE WHO RULED ALL OF THE TESTIMONY IN THE LINDA EDWARDS CASE AS “HEARSAY”. The Sentinel-Record   10-17-1977 MALVERN, Ark (AP) – The state Supreme Court will be asked to furnish judges for Circuit … Continue reading →

THIS IS AN INTERESTING ARTICLE REGARDING THE JUDGE WHO RULED ALL OF THE TESTIMONY IN THE LINDA EDWARDS CASE AS “HEARSAY”. The Sentinel-Record   10-18-1977 Little Rock (AP) – Circuit Court Judge Henry B. Means of Malvern has not given up … Continue reading →

THIS IS AN INTERESTING ARTICLE REGARDING THE JUDGE WHO RULED ALL OF THE TESTIMONY IN THE LINDA EDWARDS CASE AS “HEARSAY”. The Sentinel-Record   10-21-1977 Little Rock (AP) – The investigation of Judge Henry B. Means of Malvern has come to a … Continue reading →

City Digest The Sentinel-Record 11-3-1977 Hot Spring County Prosecuting Attorney John Cole said Wednesday the trial date for Hot Springs Police Lt. Thurman Abernathy will be set either this month or next month. He said a pre-trial conference will be held … Continue reading →

City and State Digest The Sentinel-Record 12-16-1977 The first-degree murder trial of Hot Springs Police Lt. Thurman Abernathy has been set for Feb. 22 in Hot Spring County Circuit Court. Abernathy is charged in the death of Garland County Deputy … Continue reading →

City and State Digest The Sentinel-Record 12-21-1977 Hot Springs Police Lt. Thurman Abernathy will be arraigned on a first-degree murder charge Thursday morning in Hot Spring County Circuit Court. Abernathy is accused of killing Garland County Deputy Linda Edwards, whose … Continue reading →