Ex-Deputy Named as Suspect in Old Murder Cases

Recent revelations have shocked many as a former Florida deputy has been named the suspect in a decades-old murder mystery.

At a Glance

John Greer, an ex-deputy, has been implicated in the 1979 murder of Adele Easterly.
Adele was found shot with a 12-gauge shotgun at her workplace.
Greer’s previous suspicious behavior led to initial suspicion.
2016 accusations against Greer reinforced concerns over his past.
Authorities say Greer admitted to the murders in 2024, about a year before his death.

The Cold Case Breakthrough

Former Florida deputy John J. Greer has been identified as the suspect in the murder case of Adele Marie Easterly, bringing significant attention to a 45-year-old unsolved homicide. Adele was found shot to death at The Farm Store in Punta Gorda, Florida, with Greer reporting her death on November 5, 1979. This revelation came amidst lingering suspicion surrounding Greer due to previous questionable behavior, but it took decades before substantial developments emerged.

Back in August 1979, Greer reported that his wife had committed suicide, although investigators suspected foul play, yet no solid evidence was found. Now, adding to his alleged involvement in the Easterly murder, more evidence in the form of admissions about the crime were made by Greer in a bedridden state during April 2023. This startling confession puts closure, in part, to a long-standing mystery.

On Nov. 5, 1979, John Greer radioed Charlotte County dispatch and said he had run across a homicide. https://t.co/SyptyuJIe8

— KGNS News (@KGNSnews) January 3, 2025

Past Suspicions Unfold

The case against Greer was not built overnight. In 1980, another woman with ties to Greer was found dead, her death ruled as undetermined. Greer resigned from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office later that year amid accelerating investigations. These events painted a pattern of violence that until recently remained unlinked. Despite an alarming track record, he worked in other law enforcement roles thereafter.

Further underscoring the concern, a friend of Easterly disclosed her fears of coming forward due to Greer’s position in law enforcement. Her worrying account aligns with frequent accusations of misconduct against him. A 2016 assault complaint described Greer using chilling references to past victims as an intimidation tactic, further tainting his reputation.

Unfolding of Justice

Although John Greer died in March 2024 at the age of 77 and never faced trial due to health issues, his admission provided the closure desperately sought in the decades-long investigation. Upon reopening and examining the archives, the Cold Case Unit connected pieces that included testimonies, forensic findings, and Greer’s admission in 2023 which revealed his culpability in not one but multiple deaths.

The sheriff’s office has officially closed the investigation while acknowledging there still might be other heinous actions committed by Greer. Sheriff Bill Prummell emphasized the resolve of the authorities to sweep through historical inadequacies, reminding the public of their commitment to justice and acknowledgment of past missteps. The conclusion of this case echoes beyond traditional legal frameworks, urging for introspection in law enforcement ethics and accountability.