Suspect to be named in Adam Walsh slaying

Suspect to be named in '81 Adam Walsh slaying
Police in Hollywood, Florida, say they are closing the 1981 investigation into the abduction and slaying of 6-year-old Adam Walsh. Hollywood Police Chief Chad Wagner plans to provide details at an afternoon news conference. He will be joined by the boy's parents, Reve and John Walsh. John Walsh is host of the television show "America's Most Wanted." full story


UPDATE

Police: Drifter killed Adam Walsh in 1981
Story Highlights
NEW: Drifter, now deceased, abducted and killed boy, police say

Adam Walsh, 6, was abducted in July 1981; his head was found two weeks later

Ottis Toole was always the suspect, police chief says

Boy's father is John Walsh, host of TV show "America's Most Wanted"

From Rich Phillips
CNN Senior Producer


HOLLYWOOD, Florida (CNN) -- A deceased drifter long suspected in the abduction, murder and beheading of 6-year-old Adam Walsh committed the crime that put missing children on the national agenda, police said Tuesday.

"If Ottis Toole was alive today, he would be arrested for the abduction and murder of Adam Walsh on July 27, 1981," Hollywood Police Chief Chad Wagner said at an afternoon news conference announcing the end of the 27-year investigation.

The chief apologized to the boy's parents, John and Reve Walsh, for what he called "lapses" in the initial investigation. He added that there was no "magic" piece of evidence that led investigators to officially name a suspect now.

"This case could have been closed, and should have been closed years ago," Wagner said.

When he took over last year as police, Wagner vowed to close the Walsh case. He reviewed the entire case file and assigned a retired detective, Joe Matthews, to conduct an independent review.

John Walsh's voice shook and his eyes brimmed with tears as he thanked the chief for closing the case. Walsh is best known as host of the television show "America's Most Wanted." . Read full article »