Cold Case Files: Suspect in 34-year-old cold case is currently in court fighting 2023 DNA evidence match

Patricia Ann “Trish” Underwood, 19, was last seen at her home on Madison County Road 3345 in March 1991. She left behind a bowl of cereal, an open screen door, and no sign of a struggle.

Her purse, keys, and denim jacket were missing.Months later, searchers found the jacket near Gum Springs Cemetery in Fulton County, about 45 miles away. Partial human remains were located nearby. The case stayed cold for 32 years.

In 2022, Arkansas State Police reopened the file and sent evidence for genetic genealogy testing. The DNA pointed to David Lee Headley, 65, a family acquaintance who lived in Norman, Oklahoma. Headley had been married to Underwood’s mother’s cousin and was considered part of the extended family

David Headley

.In May 2023, Oklahoma authorities arrested Headley after a traffic stop. A DNA swab matched evidence from Underwood’s jacket. Her remains, recovered in 1991, were confirmed as hers through dental records and later DNA. The cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head.

Headley was charged with capital murder and extradited to Arkansas. He has pleaded not guilty. His defense argues the DNA evidence is unreliable. Prosecutors say the match is conclusive.As of October 28, 2025, Headley remains in the Fulton County Jail awaiting trial.

The next court date is a hearing on a motion to suppress the DNA results. No trial date has been set.A second, unidentified male DNA profile was found on twine used to bind Underwood’s hands. It has not produced a match.

Trish Underwood’s sister, Melissa Underwood-Giles, says the family wants answers about motive and whether anyone else was involved.\\The Arkansas State Police Cold Case Unit continues to investigate. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-553-3820.