Episode 47: MURDERED: Sandra Alberda - Monette, AR

A quiet, small town. A house fire in the middle of the night. And inside, a 21-year-old woman was brutally murdered in a way investigators say was deeply personal. Nearly 40 years later, no arrests have been made. So who killed Sandra Alberda, and how did they get away with it?

Episode Summary

Sandra Malissa Alberda was just 21 years old when she was brutally murdered in her hometown of Monette, Arkansas, a place where people did not lock their doors, and everyone knew everyone. Born on October 21, 1964, Sandra was the youngest of five siblings and known as the bold one of the family. She was beautiful, independent, and the kind of person you could always count on. If someone needed help, Sandra showed up, no questions asked. She had a generous heart, a strong personality, and big dreams of becoming a hairdresser, following in her sisters’ footsteps. At the time of her death, she was already working toward that future in nearby Blytheville.

In the early morning hours of September 30, 1986, Sandra’s sister received a call that their parents’ home was on fire. When firefighters arrived, they found the house engulfed in flames. Inside, in a bedroom, they discovered Sandra. What first appeared to be a tragic fire quickly turned into a horrific crime scene.

Sandra had been shot four times and stabbed dozens of times, a level of violence investigators described as overkill, suggesting the attack was deeply personal. Authorities believe the fire was intentionally set to destroy evidence and cover up the murder. Sandra had been home alone. There were no immediate signs of a break-in, and investigators quickly began to suspect that she likely knew her killer.

The investigation was massive for a town of its size. More than 700 people were interviewed. Rumors spread. Suspicion grew. But despite the effort, no arrests were ever made. Nearly four decades later, Sandra’s case remains unsolved. Her family has never stopped searching for answers. Investigators have consistently maintained that this was not a random act of violence. Someone out there knows what happened that night. Sandra was only 21. She was just getting started in life, building a career, surrounded by family, and stepping into her future. That future was stolen.

If you have any information about the murder of Sandra Alberda, you are encouraged to contact the Craighead County Sheriff’s Office at 870-933-4551.

Connect With Us:

• Instagram: @TrueCrimeUnwind

• TikTok: @TrueCrimeUnwind

• Facebook @TrueCrimeUnwind

Support the Show:

• Rate & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

• Share with fellow true crime fans

• Tag us while you listen and let us know your theories!