CHARLOTTE COUNTY, FL – A chilling confession from a former sheriff’s deputy has brought closure to a series of cold cases that have haunted Charlotte County for decades. John Greer, once a trusted member of the community, is now believed to have been the perpetrator behind the murders of his wife and a local woman, Adelle Easterly, over 40 years ago. The revelations came to light only as Greer lay on his deathbed, leaving many to question why justice was so delayed.
Adelle Easterly, a 25-year-old employee at a local store, was found dead in 1979. She had been shot twice with a 12-gauge shotgun, once in the head and once in the back. The case quickly went cold, with insufficient evidence to charge anyone at the time. Greer, the deputy who discovered her body, was never formally accused during his lifetime, despite being the last person to see her alive.
For years, Easterly’s murder remained unsolved, lingering in the files of Charlotte County’s cold case detectives. It wasn’t until recent advancements in forensic technology and a re-examination of witness testimonies that investigators began to piece together the grim puzzle. Friends of Easterly recalled a troubling relationship between her and Greer, describing him as “creepy” and overly bold with women.
The investigation took a significant turn in 2016 when a woman came forward, alleging that Greer had raped her while she was part of a sheriff’s explorer program. This accusation prompted detectives to reopen the case files and delve deeper into Greer’s past. When questioned about his involvement in Easterly’s death and that of his wife, Jackie, Greer was already nearing the end of his life in Tennessee.
On his deathbed, Greer confessed to having a role in both deaths. Jackie’s death, originally ruled a suicide, occurred just 71 days before Easterly was killed. Although Greer admitted involvement, he passed away in March without ever facing formal charges, leaving a trail of unanswered questions and potential victims across multiple states.
Detectives are now working tirelessly to uncover any additional crimes linked to Greer. They have reached out to law enforcement agencies between Florida and Tennessee, hoping to piece together a full picture of Greer’s criminal activities. The case highlights the challenges of solving cold cases, where evidence is scarce and time has obscured the truth.
As the community grapples with these revelations, many are left wondering why it took so long for justice to catch up with Greer. Investigators cite the need for thorough cross-referencing of old files and witness statements to build a solid case, but the delay has left a bitter taste for those who sought closure for the victims.
Charlotte County’s cold case detectives continue their mission, determined to provide answers and justice for those affected by Greer’s actions. They are urging anyone with information to come forward, offering hope that more victims may finally see justice served.