Cold-Case Arrest Made in 1991 Miller County, Arkansas Murder

The Miller County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of Michael Letterman in connection with the 1991 murder of Billie Jean Letterman, marking progress in a decades-old cold case that has remained unsolved for more than 30 years.

Renewed Focus on Unsolved Crimes

According to Sheriff Wayne Easley, renewed attention to unsolved crimes has been a priority since he took office, particularly those where victims’ families never received justice. The case of Billie Jean Letterman stood out among those efforts.

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Investigation Dates Back to 1991

On August 12, 1991, deputies were dispatched to the Letterman residence near Highway 82 and County Road 78 after reports of a possible shooting. Upon arrival, they found Billie Jean Letterman deceased in the living room with an apparent gunshot wound to the head. Although investigators at the time gathered interviews and detailed reports, the case went cold while they awaited additional evidence from the Arkansas State Crime Lab.

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Evidence Leads to New Breakthrough

In July 2023, a piece of key evidence was returned to the Sheriff’s Office, allowing investigators to reopen the case. Following new interviews and a review of prior findings, the investigation was presented to Miller County Prosecuting Attorney Connie Mitchell and Circuit Judge Carlton Jones. On October 15, 2025, an arrest warrant was issued for Michael Letterman for Murder in the First Degree.

Letterman Arrested and Booked

Letterman was interviewed by Sheriff Easley and Detective Poole before being taken into custody and transported to the Miller County Jail.

Sheriff Easley said his office remains committed to pursuing justice, no matter how much time has passed, and thanked investigators for their persistence in seeing the case through.

Editor’s note: All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.