Confirmed by Governor Hutchinson during his news conference, Robert Todd Burmingham age 54 better known as the “Blue Light Rapist” died in UAMS while being treated for COVID-19. Burmingham was an inmate in the Cummins Corrections Facility when he contracted the virus.

Burmingham was arrested in 1997 for assaulting and raping women after stopping them on country roads by using a blue dash light impersonating law enforcement. Burmingham would stop women at night then take the females to desolate places where they would be raped.

Burmingham was convicted of two assaults in Cross County. Burmingham was given life sentences for his conviction at age 31.