June 15, 2026- Commonwealth v. Betty Jane Adams: District Attorney Seán M. McCormack announced the unsealing of the arrest of Betty Jane Adams for the May 1, 2015, death of John Wesley Alleman. Adams was arrested in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on May 18, 2026, by members of the Cumberland County District Attorney's Criminal Investigation Division, in coordination with the Horry County, S.C., Police Department. The arrest warrant in this case was sealed by the court to allow detectives the opportunity to travel to South Carolina without giving Adams advanced notice of her impending arrest. She is charged with First Degree Murder and Third Degree Murder. 

Adams, who went by the name Betty Brooks in 2015, reported to the police that Alleman called her into his bedroom and an argument subsequently began. She told the police that during the argument, Alleman pulled out a handgun and fired a shot at her. According to Adams, moments later Alleman put the gun to his own head and fired. Certain uncorroborated facts provided by Adams and inconsistent scene evidence lead to doubt about Alleman's 'suicide' as related by Adams. When the scene was processed, no additional bullets were found as would be expected with Adams' story that Alleman fired at her first.  Additionally, the positioning of Alleman's right arm (partially tucked under a bed sheet) is not consistent with how it would be positioned if he shot himself in the head. Additional information and expert review of evidence developed over the past few years resulted in detectives seeking a warrant for Adams' arrest.

Adams is scheduled for formal arraignment on August 10, 2026. 

NOTE: The facts discussed above are are mere accusations at this time and Adams is innocent until proven guilty.