After more than three decades, an arrest has been made in the 1991 murder of Billie Jean Letterman in Miller County. Sheriff Wayne Easley announced that Michael Letterman has been arrested and charged with Murder in the First Degree in connection with the case.
According to the Miller County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the Letterman residence on August 12, 1991, at the intersection of Highway 82 and County Road 78, after reports of a possible gunshot victim. Deputies found Billie Jean Letterman inside the home with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Despite an extensive investigation at the time, the case eventually went cold.
Sheriff Easley, who has a background in criminal investigations, reopened the case in 2023 when a key piece of evidence was returned to the Miller County Sheriff’s Office from the Arkansas State Crime Lab. That evidence led investigators to new interviews and further investigation.
On October 15, 2025, using both the original case information and the newly obtained evidence, investigators presented an affidavit for arrest to Miller County Prosecuting Attorney Connie Mitchell and Circuit Judge Carlton Jones. After review, a warrant was issued for Michael Letterman’s arrest on a charge of first-degree murder.
Letterman voluntarily came to the Sheriff’s Office, where he was interviewed by Sheriff Easley and Detective Poole. Following the interview, he was arrested and taken to the Miller County Jail.
Sheriff Easley emphasized his department’s commitment to solving cold cases and ensuring justice for victims, stating that his office will continue to pursue those responsible for crimes in Miller County, regardless of how much time has passed.
