Rick Headley Pleads Not Guilty for 1991 Murder of Sabrina Underwood

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : In a shocking turn of events, 48-year-old Rick Headley, currently serving a life sentence in an Arkansas prison for the murder of his wife in 2018, has pleaded not guilty to the 1991 killing of 19-year-old Sabrina Underwood from Huntsville. The Arkansas State Police have charged Headley with first-degree murder after he allegedly confessed to the crime while incarcerated in Varner, a fellow inmate then shared this information with investigators. Headley entered his plea on November 13 and is set to stand trial in March 2024.

According to police reports, the tragic incident took place in January 1991 when Underwood’s mother dropped her off near Bear Creek in Boone County. Underwood intended to hitchhike to a prison in Calico Rock to visit an inmate. Unfortunately, she never arrived, and her mother reported her missing to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.

Months later, in April 1991, a hunter discovered personal belongings belonging to Underwood near the Gum Springs Cemetery in Fulton County. Authorities soon located human remains in close proximity, which were later identified as belonging to Underwood.

The investigation took a significant leap forward in July 2022 when it was revealed that Headley had been living in Mountain Home at the time of the crime. Allegedly, Headley confessed to the murder to a fellow inmate while serving time in Varner. This information was promptly shared with the Arkansas State Police, leading to an interview with Headley. During the interview, Headley reportedly provided intricate details of the crime, further implicating himself.

The case has sent shockwaves through the community, as the unsolved murder had haunted the Huntsville area for over three decades. Authorities are hopeful that justice will finally be served for Sabrina Underwood and her grieving family.

As the trial approaches in March 2024, the public eagerly awaits further developments in this long-standing cold case. 5NEWS will continue to provide updates on this story as they become available, ensuring the community remains informed about this significant legal proceeding..