State Senator Killed in Gruesome Murder

A former Arkansas State senator was found shot dead on Tuesday, in a crime that has shocked her community. The incident is being investigated as a murder, but so far authorities have more questions than answers. As Fox News reports:

The body of Linda Collins-Smith, a Republican, was discovered Tuesday night at her home in Pocahontas, about 130 miles northeast of Little Rock, her former press secretary, Ken Yang, told KATV. Yang said the death is being investigated as a murder and that neighbors reported hearing gunshots a day or two before the body was found.

“I am in shock over the news of Sen. Linda Collins-Smith’s death,” Arkansas Lt. Gov. Tim Griffin tweeted. “I am heartbroken for her family & friends as they grieve, & my thoughts & prayers are with them during this tragic time.”

Collins-Smith’s remains, according to KATV, were found wrapped in a blanket…

She originally was a member of the state’s Democratic Party before switching over to the Republican side in 2011.

A suspect in Smith’s death has yet to be announced. It is also not clear whether or not the crime was politically motivated.