Adcock murder remains unsolved
As the search for a killer enters its sixth year, authorities are still holding out hope they may be able to serve justice on the person or persons who killed elderly Rebel Hill resident Lela Mae Adcock days before Christmas in 1996.
“It’s still being worked,” said District Attorney General Dale Potter, concerning the Adcock murder. “There has been some progress over the past year, but at this point we still don’t have the proof we need to file charges. It’s one of those cases, because of the age of it, that makes it hard to go back and get the things we need.”
The investigation began two days before Christmas in 1996 when Adcock, 74, was found by police who were conducting a welfare check at her McMinnville Housing Authority apartment. They conducted the welfare check after her daughter became concerned because her mother did not answer her phone. Police found Adcock with her throat slashed, lying on the floor inside her duplex.
Confronting investigators on the front end of the investigation was the lack of physical evidence at the scene. There was no sign of force entry and no apparent motive for the killing. Also a problem was the fact no one living in the heavily populated and normally quiet neighborhood reported hearing or seeing anything unusual.
During the six years of investigation, lawmen say they have interviewed literally hundreds of prospective witnesses and suspects; however, authorities have not named a prime suspect in the slaying.
Potter said the fact no one has been presented as a prime suspect, does not mean lawmen do not have ideas on the killer’s identity.
“We suspect it was someone very close to her,” Potter said. “We have a pretty good idea who the prime suspects are; it’s just the problem of proving it.”
Potter said investigators intend to explore other options in the case at the beginning of the new year. While not elaborating on what options he was referring to, Potter said he was “optimistic” the new approach may pan out since investigators believe they have a good idea who committed the crime.
Potter noted a $5,000 reward is still being offered for anyone who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of the guilty party or parties. Potter said one key piece of information, which could perhaps seem insignificant to a tipster, could prove the key to cracking the case. Anyone with information concerning the Adcock case is urged to contact the DA’s office at 473-9572.