Police seek leads in cold case

Published 12:00 am Thursday, July 2, 2015

By Melanie Ruberti mruberti@civitasmedia.com LaGRANGE —More than 12 years ago, someone shot and killed William Kent Adams, 39, in the 600 block of Ridley Avenue. LaGrange Police Department detectives said they received numerous tips on the April 15, 2003, case, but no suspect and subsequently, no arrest was ever made in Adams’ death. Now, investigators are reopening the case, in hopes someone in the community will have specific information that could lead to an arrest and give some closure to Adams’ family. Adams was from Missouri and was working with a company that was subcontracting with CSX railroad, according to detectives. He had not been in LaGrange very long before he died. Detectives said Adams was found slumped over the center console of a red 1996 Ford Taurus with a single gunshot wound to the chest, according to an April 16, 2003, article in LaGrange Daily News. Adams’ wallet, which contained no cash, was in his lap, the passenger side window was down and the car was still running, investigators said. Neighbors told police they thought they heard a gunshot about 8 p.m. Adams’ body was discovered around 9:30 p.m. Anyone with information was asked to contact Sgt. William Nelson at 706-883-2688 or the LaGrange Police Department main line at 706-883-2603. People also may submit tips to LPD online by message at facebook.com/lagrangepolicedept or anonymously at www.lagrange-ga.org by clicking on Departments at the top of the page, then choosing LaGrange Police Department and the Submit an Anonymous Tip link. Anonymous tips also may be submitted by calling Troup County Crime Stoppers at 706-812-1000 or sending a text to 888-777.

Melanie Ruberti is a reporter at LaGrange Daily News. She may be reached at 706-884-7311, ext. 2156.