The Arkansas Supreme Court has assigned a new judge in the murder case of Rebecca O’Donnell, charged in the slaying of former Sen. Linda Collins.Retired Circuit Judge David Goodsons appointment as special judge in the capital murder case has been terminated at his request.
Arkansas Times is reporting Arkansas Supreme Court Chief Justice Dan Kemp issued an order Tuesday terminating Goodson’s assignment and assigning Second District Circuit Judge John Fogleman to hear the case. Kemps order said the assignment was made at the request of Third District Judge Harold Erwin.
The signed orders dont indicate why Goodson asked his assignment be terminated.
Goodson had presided at a pre-trial hearing in Randolph County last week. A status review and motions hearing is set for Feb. 28 in Pocahontas, and a trial is set for Oct. 19-30, 2020.
Fogleman, a former prosecutor, has experience in hearing criminal cases. Hes scheduled to retire at the end of this year.
Goodson was appointed to the case in June. His appointment meant the presiding judge came from outside the circuit. Collins former husband, Phil Smith, is a retired judge in the district.
Collins body was found outside her home June 4. Police would later reveal she died of stab wounds. ODonnell, a friend and former campaigner for Collins, was charged in part based on evidence from security camera footage in the former senators home. An arrest affidavit said the footage showed ODonnell removing security cameras from the home.
Collins’ district included eastern Fulton County and all of Izard, Sharp, Independence and Randolph counties.
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