Arkansas inmate who fatally stabbed his estranged wife pleads guilty to killing another woman in 1991

GOULD, Ark. (TCD) -- A cold case has recently come to a close after a 48-year-old inmate pleaded guilty this week to killing a 19-year-old woman more than three decades ago.

According to the Arkansas State Police, Rick Headley pleaded guilty on Monday, Dec. 11, to the first-degree murder of Sabrina Underwood. A judge sentenced him to 40 years in prison in the Arkansas Department of Corrections.

Headley was charged last month after he confessed to killing Underwood. He was already serving life in prison without the possibility of parole in connection with the 2018 stabbing death of his estranged wife, Kristie Headley.

According to state police, in January 1991, Underwood's mother informed officials that she dropped her daughter off near Bear Creek in Boone County. Underwood was planning to hitchhike to the North Central Unit prison to visit an inmate but was later reported missing to the Madison County Sheriff's Office.

Months later, in April 1991, a hunter reportedly discovered some of Underwood's belongings near the Gum Springs Cemetery in Fulton County. During a search, deputies from the area found human remains and called in state police to assist. The Arkansas Medical Examiner positively identified the remains as Underwood's.

According to state police, in July 2022, Headley told a fellow Varner inmate that he had killed Underwood. Headley was subsequently interviewed and provided details regarding Underwood's death.

In an affidavit obtained by KATV-TV, investigators said Headley told officials Underwood attempted to extort him for money, but he couldn't "let her ruin his life." Headley reportedly said that he fatally stabbed Underwood, hid her body, disposed of the knife he used, and drove to his home in Mountain Home.

According to KATV, Headley told investigators he threw away his clothes, showered, and then tossed the clothes in a dumpster near a mall.

Investigators reportedly spoke with a witness in August 2022, who informed officials that Headley confessed to killing Underwood and wanted to get it "off his chest."

Arkansas State Police Colonel Mike Hager said in a statement, "We will never give up on finding justice for families like the Underwood’s, who still suffer the pain of Sabrina’s absence."

MORE:

• Murder suspect in the Sabrina Underwood investigation pleads guilty and is sentenced to 40 years - Arkansas State Police
• Arkansas man in prison for fatally stabbing his wife is now accused of killing teen in 1991, 10/23/2023 - TCD
• ASP closes 32-year-old cold case, charging suspect in 1991 death of Huntsville woman, 10/20/2023 - Arkansas State Police
• Cold case solved: Inmate charged with 1991 murder of Sabrina Underwood, 10/20/2023 - KATV