Bluefield murder suspect had criminal past

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Donald Adams

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BLUEFIELD (WVVA) - The man who admitted to shooting an elderly Bluefield couple before taking his own life inside his jail cell had a criminal past.

Bluefield Police Chief Joe Wilson told WVVA News that Donald Adams has previously been charged with aggravated robbery and wanton endangerment.

Wilson spoke with WVVA News shortly before the discovery of Adams' suicide Wednesday.

Adams told WVVA News Tuesday that he had previously served 11 years in prison, being released in 2007.

Wilson says this tragic case is another example of how serious the drug problem in the region is.

"When people are stealing from people who have offered to help them many times in the past, then you know that there is a huge problem with addiction," Wilson said.

Adams said he shot John Douglas Watkins and his wife Monika, while attempting to rob the couple for money to buy drugs. Adams was familiar with the couple. Neighbors said he frequently visited the couples' home and they helped him whenever they could.

Adams apparently hanged himself using his shoestrings inside his cell at Bluefield City Jail, while awaiting transport to Southern Regional Jail.

The day before, while speaking to WVVA News, Adams stated if West Virginia had the death penalty, he would "probably deserve it" for the crimes he had confessed to committing.

Bluefield murder suspect had criminal past - WVVA TV Bluefield Beckley WV News, Weather and Sports

Bluefield murder suspect had criminal past

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