Human remains belong to fugitive accused in police chief slaying, FBI says
NORTH DARTMOUTH, Ma. -- Authorities have confirmed that the remains of a fugitive wanted in the 1980 slaying of a Pennsylvania police chief have been found buried in a yard in Massachusetts.
CBS Pittsburgh reports investigators spent the day digging in the backyard of Donald Eugene Webb's ex-wife's house in Massachusetts, where they found human remains.
The FBI, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts authorities announced Friday the remains have been positively identified as Webb. Investigators believe he died about 17 years ago, but declined to say how.
Prosecutors in both states confirmed to The Associated Press that the ex-wife, Lillian Webb, led authorities to his body and won't be prosecuted in the investigation.
Webb shot and killed Saxonburg police chief Gregory Adams in December of 1980 in what started as a traffic stop.
Current Saxonburg Police Chief Joe Beachen was on scene of the discovery.
"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.
Last month, the Post-Gazette reported that a secret room had been found inside Webb's ex-wife's home. A cane was reportedly found in that room, and it is believed Adams was able to shoot Webb in the leg.
The murder of Adams is the longest running cold-case involving a police chief in the country.