Additional Coverage:
Cold Case Solved After 45 Years
Former Florida sheriff’s deputy John Greer has been identified as the suspect in the 1979 murder of store clerk Adele Easterly. Greer also confessed to killing his wife earlier that year.
The Murder of Adele Easterly
On November 5, 1979, Greer reported finding Easterly’s body at a store. She had been shot twice with a shotgun. Investigators suspected Greer but lacked evidence.
Other Suspicious Incidents
Greer’s wife, Jackie, died by an alleged suicide in August 1979. Investigators had concerns about the incident. A year later, Greer’s female friend was found dead from an apparent overdose.
Break in the Case
In 2016, the Cold Case Unit released a statement about a potential law enforcement officer involved in Easterly’s murder. A former Sheriff’s Office Explorer came forward, claiming Greer had sexually assaulted her and mentioned killing Easterly.
Greer’s Confession and Death
In April 2023, investigators arrested Greer in Tennessee. He confessed to shooting both Easterly and his wife. Greer died in Tennessee on March 2, 2024, at the age of 77.
Case Closed
After 45 years, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office has closed the long-unsolved case. Sheriff Bill Prummell emphasized that Greer’s actions do not represent the majority of law enforcement officers.