Man Pleads Guilty to 1991 Murder

A 48-year-old man already serving a life sentence for capital murder pleaded guilty to the 1991 murder of another woman, as announced by the Arkansas State Police.

Sabrina Underwood's murder remained unsolved until an inmate came forward and told Arkansas State Police investigators that Rick Allen Headley had confessed to the killing in a letter he wrote while serving his life sentence. Headley had previously pleaded guilty to capital murder for stabbing his estranged wife to death and was serving his sentence in a maximum-security unit, according to police.

During an interview with investigators, Headley confirmed that he had written the letter and provided details about Underwood's death. He claimed that Underwood had tried to extort money from him and expressed his hope that no one else had been wrongfully arrested for the murder.

Headley Pleads Guilty to First-Degree Murder and Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison

Headley was charged with first-degree murder in October 2023. On Monday, he pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to 40 years in prison.

At the time of Headley's confession, an Arkansas State Police spokesperson said that Underwood's family was "very happy" that the 32-year-old cold case had been solved.

"We will never give up on finding justice for families like the Underwood's, who still suffer the pain of Sabrina's absence," said ASP Colonel Mike Hagar in a news release announcing Headley's sentencing. "Today, we pray for peace for those who remember and love Sabrina."