HORRY COUNTY, SC (WMBF) – An 11-year-old cold-case murder in Pennsylvania has a new suspect, thanks in part to Horry County police.
Members of the department’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team arrested Betty Jane Adams, 60, in the Myrtle Beach area on May 18 in connection with the 2015 killing of Middlesex Township, Pennsylvania, man John Alleman, 68.
Adams was previously known as Betty Jane Brooks.
NBC affiliate WGAL reported that Alleman’s death was initially ruled a suicide.
First responders found Alleman dead in his bed with a gunshot wound to the head on May 1, 2015, after a call came in shortly before 7 a.m. An autopsy later ruled the death a homicide.
Adams had been in a romantic relationship with Alleman and lived with him for about 10 years. She told investigators the two had a brief argument and that Alleman fired a handgun at her before turning the gun on himself.
But investigators found no second bullet or shell casing to support her claim. Alleman’s body position also appeared inconsistent with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Forensic analysts found the revolver had to have been fired from about three inches away from Alleman’s head.
Court documents show Adams attempted to arrange a hit on Alleman through her ex-husband two months before the shooting.
The case broke open after a new detective joined the Cumberland County District Attorney’s office in February and experts reviewed key gunshot evidence.
“Our strong partnerships with agencies across the country are crucial,” Horry County police said.
Adams is being held in Cumberland County Prison on charges of first-and third-degree murder.
A judge denied bail. Her arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 10, and her first court date is set for October.
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