FBI Identifies Dartmouth Remains As Those Of 37-Year Wanted Fugitive
DARTMOUTH (CBS) -- The FBI says the remains found buried next to a shed in the backyard of a Dartmouth home are those of missing fugitive Donald Eugene Webb.
Webb was wanted in connection with the unsolved 1980 murder of Saxonburg Police Chief Gregory Adams. Webb is accused of beating and shooting Chief Adams during a routine traffic stop.
Prosecutors say that Webb's ex-wife Lillian, who owned the house, led police to the place where the body was located. Authorities also say that Webb has been dead for at least 18 years.
Adams' widow Mary Ann Adams Jones told WBZ-TV that even though Webb's body has been discovered, she is furious with Lillian Webb.
"I don't care if she's an 80-year-old woman," Jones said. "I would punch her for what she put my family through."
Mary Ann Adams Jones is currently suing Webb's ex-wife for wrongful death and for two civil conspiracy claims: Accessory after the fact and hindering the apprehension of a murderer.
Lillian Webb had nothing to say as she drove back to her Dartmouth house in the afternoon.
She was the one who finally led investigators to dig up the backyard near the shed on Thursday.
Recent reports say a secret room was found in the ex-wife's house. She was given immunity for information.
Current Saxonburg Police Chief Joseph Beachem made the 11-hour drive to Dartmouth because the case has been a long-time mystery.
"It's the biggest question mark in our town's history so we're hopeful we'll see what happens in the next short time here," Chief Beachem said. "I think it means a lot to all officers. You can't help but look at Chief Adams' family and see your own."
Neighbors say they're tired of reporters and FBI agents visiting the neighborhood. One woman neighbor says she and Lillian used to be good friends.
"I feel sorry for her. She's a lovely person," the neighbor said.
Last month the FBI issued new photos and offered a $100,000 reward for information on Webb's whereabouts.
The identification of Webb's body brings some closure to the family, but raises two new questions: How did Webb die and who buried his body in the yard?
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports