Adcock murder likely to go unsolved – Investigator says it?s a cold case

It remains the only unsolved murder in modern-day McMinnville history, a brutal slaying perpetrated in a normally quiet neighborhood just before Christmas 10 years ago. The killer has left behind no clues and no motive for the grisly crime, which investigators say has become a cold case.

Ten years ago today, the body of Lela Mae Adcock, 74, was found inside her Rebel Hill apartment during a welfare check by police, prompted when family members could not get their mother to answer the phone. Adcock lived alone in the McMinnville Housing Authority complex predominantly inhabited by elderly citizens. She was found lying on the floor, her throat cut with no signs of forced entry to her home, which was located near a church and a school.

Despite a concerted effort by the TBI and McMinnville Police Department, no motive was ever discovered although numerous people have been questioned, including one of her own sons who maintains his innocence.

One of the primary investigators, Nicole Mosley, says that while the case remains open, the prospects of finding the murderer look bleak.

?We haven?t had any new leads in a very long time,? Mosley said. ?We just have nothing to go on unless someone comes forward with new information.?

Adcock?s daughter, Judy Pierce, who lives out of state but still keeps in contact with investigators when possible, said she is holding out hope her mother?s murder will one day be solved.

?Nothing will ever bring closure for us but I still want to have who ever it is brought to justice and then maybe we can find out why,? Pierce said. ?We don?t want people to forget about my mother and what happened. There?s still a chance someone knows something and maybe they will come forward and tell what they know.?

Anyone with information should call Mosley at 473-3386.