Ex-Deputy Identified as Suspect in Decades-Old Murder Mystery

In a revelation that resolves a decades-old mystery, former sheriff’s deputy John J. Greer has been named the suspect in a homicide case dating back to 1979, closing a cold chapter on the murder of store clerk Adele Easterly.

At a Glance

John J. Greer has been identified as the suspect in the 1979 cold case murder of Adele Easterly.
Greer reported Easterly’s murder in Punta Gorda, Florida, in November 1979.
Easterly was shot twice with a 12-gauge shotgun.
Greer admitted to the murder in April 2023, weeks before his death.

Decades-Old Mystery Unraveled

John J. Greer, a former deputy with the Charlotte County, Florida, sheriff’s office, was identified as the suspect in a 1979 cold case involving the murder of Adele Easterly. Easterly was found dead, having been shot twice with a 12-gauge shotgun, in a store in Punta Gorda, Florida, on November 5, 1979. While Greer was a suspect, it was only after decades of investigation that he finally confessed to being responsible.

Questions also lingered for many years about a potential connection to Greer’s wife Jackie, who died under suspicious circumstances in August 1979. Despite Greer’s resignation from the sheriff’s office in October 1980, the cases remained unsolved until a recent confession unveiled the truth.

Unwanted Closure and Confession

In April 2023, while bedridden in Tennessee, Greer confessed to killing both Easterly and his wife, Jackie Greer. His confession followed long-standing suspicions due to his behavior and investigations. However, Greer died on March 2, 2024, at the age of 77, before the confessions could culminate in a trial.

Sheriff Bill Prummell emphasized the agency’s dedication to discovering the truth. Despite the resolution of the case, it is a bittersweet finding given the number of alleged victims and the impact on the community’s trust in law enforcement.

Former Florida deputy ID’d as suspect in 1979 cold case homicide https://t.co/gyYwNCc3vy

— News 6 WKMG (@news6wkmg) December 31, 2024

Lingering Questions and Ongoing Investigations

As the case closes, investigators continue examining potential connections to Greer and other violent crimes. No additional victims have been identified, but the exploration into his checkered past reflects the complexity of cases involving former law enforcement personnel.

“This individual does not represent the overwhelmingly great men and women who have worked for this agency over our century-plus of existence,” Prummell said.

Sheriff Prummell’s words resonate as the investigation into Greer’s past misdeeds continues, reinforcing the commitment to transparency and justice despite the time elapsed since the crimes occurred.