The case: In October of 2005, 50-year-old Leslie Adams was reported missing. A search of her Lilburn apartment at the time led police to believe she had been murdered. Police also discovered that just two days prior to going missing, Adams obtained a temporary protective order against her ex-boyfriend Billy Joe Cook. Cook became the primary and only suspect in the case.
Remains Found: In 2007, Adams’ remains were found in a swampy area near I-85 in Franklin County. Autopsy results confirmed what investigators believed two years prior: Adams’ death was a homicide.
Cold Case: Over the years, the Gwinnett County cold case unit continued monitoring the progress of the investigation and re-opened the case in 2017, ten years after Adams’ remains were found. Working with the Gwinnett County District Attorney’s office, the cold case unit re-examined the evidence and conducted further interviews. On Sept. 28, 2018 a warrant was issued for Billy Joe Cook, now 51. However, Cook’s location was unknown.
Suspect Located: According to police, detectives located Cook on I-75 North in Henry County on Thursday. The Georgia State Patrol and Henry County Police Department conducted a traffic stop and took Cook into custody without incident. He has been transported to Gwinnett County Jail where he is being held without bond and charged with murder.
