Investigative reports, law enforcement announcements, or news media coverage

Former Florida Deputy John Greer Identified as Suspect in 1979 Murders of Adele Easterly and Jackie Greer

Dec 31, 2024, 06:50 PM

The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office has closed a 1979 cold case, identifying former deputy John Greer as the suspect in the murder of 25-year-old store clerk Adele Easterly. Greer, who was on duty when he reported discovering Easterly's body at the Farm Store in Punta Gorda, Florida, resigned from the sheriff's office in 1980 amid an investigation into other activities. Easterly was shot twice with a 12-gauge shotgun. Additionally, Greer confessed to the shooting death of his wife, Jackie Greer, which occurred 71 days prior to Easterly's murder. Greer admitted to both killings during an interview in April 2023 at an extended care facility in Kingsport, Tennessee, though he was unable to stand trial due to his declining health. He passed away on March 2, 2024, at the age of 77. Greer was also accused of sexual assault by a former sheriff's office explorer, who claimed he threatened her life.