Late Former Deputy Named as Suspect in 1979 Case

A former Florida sheriff’s deputy’s dark secrets come to light, revealing a chilling tale of murder and deception spanning over four decades.

At a Glance

John J. Greer, a former Charlotte County deputy, has been identified as the suspect in the 1979 cold case murder of Adele Easterly.
Greer also admitted to killing his wife, Jackie Greer, in August 1979.
The case remained unsolved for over 40 years until Greer’s confession in April 2023.
Greer died on March 2, 2024, at age 77, before he could face justice.

A Decades-Old Mystery Unraveled

On November 5, 1979, former Charlotte County Sheriff’s Deputy John J. Greer reported finding store clerk Adele Easterly dead in Punta Gorda, Florida. Easterly had been shot twice with a 12-gauge shotgun, and approximately $7.34 was stolen from the store. For over four decades, this case remained unsolved, leaving a community searching for answers and justice.

Despite initial suspicions surrounding Greer due to his strange behavior, investigators lacked substantial evidence to pursue charges. The case went cold, joining countless others that seemed destined to remain unsolved. However, recent developments have shed new light on this tragic event, exposing a web of deceit and violence that extends far beyond a single murder.

A former Florida sheriff’s deputy has been identified as the suspect in a 1979 cold case that left a store clerk dead, authorities announced Tuesday.https://t.co/cmvYSINtnW

— WGN TV News (@WGNNews) January 1, 2025

A Pattern of Suspicious Deaths

As investigators delved deeper into Greer’s past, a disturbing pattern emerged. Just months before Easterly’s murder, in August 1979, Greer reported that his wife, Jackie Greer, had shot herself. At the time, there was insufficient evidence to prove his involvement. In September 1980, another woman acquainted with Greer was found dead from a suspected overdose, with allegations that Greer had been pursuing her.

“I have always said that we will not hide from our past, no matter how dark. This case shows that we will always seek the truth, even when we may not like what we find,” Sheriff Bill Prummell stated. “I want to be clear that this individual does not represent the overwhelmingly great men and women who have worked for this agency over our century-plus of existence. I am angry at the scar he has left on our reputation, but I am even more upset about the people he hurt through his vile actions. My heart goes out to the victims and their loved ones.”

These incidents, combined with unrelated investigations, led to Greer’s resignation from the sheriff’s office in October 1980. However, the full extent of his crimes would not come to light for many years.

New Evidence Emerges

In 2016, a breakthrough in the case occurred when a former sheriff’s office Explorer came forward with shocking allegations. The Explorer claimed that Greer had assaulted her and threatened her life. More crucially, she reported witnessing Greer with a long gun and blood on his hand the night Easterly died.

The final piece of the puzzle fell into place in April 2023. Greer, bedridden in Tennessee, made a startling confession. He admitted to killing both Adele Easterly and his wife, Jackie Greer. This admission, coming after decades of silence, provided closure to the long-running case but also raised questions about potential other victims.

Greer died on March 2, 2024, at the age of 77, before he could face justice for his crimes. While his passing means he will never stand trial, the revelations may bring a measure of closure to the victims’ families and the community.

As investigations continue, authorities are working to determine if Greer may be connected to other violent crimes. While no additional victims have been identified yet, the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of perseverance in solving cold cases and the power of advanced investigative techniques in uncovering long-buried truths.