Adams convicted of woman’s 2012 murder, other charges

Daniel Kittredge
Posted 7/13/15

James A. Adams, described by authorities as a dangerous predator who used the website Backpage.com to scout his victims, has been found guilty of the July 2012 killing of 20-year-old Mary Grier and …

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Adams convicted of woman’s 2012 murder, other charges

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James A. Adams, described by authorities as a dangerous predator who used the website Backpage.com to scout his victims, has been found guilty of the July 2012 killing of 20-year-old Mary Grier and other charges stemming from a weeks-long spree of violence.

Adams, 34, with a last known address of 12 Midway Drive in Warwick, was on Monday convicted of murder, along with two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, one count of first-degree robbery, and one count of possession of a firearm after previously being convicted of a crime of violence. According to WPRI, he was acquitted of two counts of sexual assault and one count of armed sexual assault.

The Providence Superior Court jury in the case returned the verdict after four hours of deliberations and a nine-day trial. The charges relate to three separate incidents during the summer of 2012, and three separate victims. At the time, Adams was on probation related to his no-contest plea in the 2005 rape of a woman in Warwick.

Adams remains held at the Adult Correctional Institute. His sentencing has yet to be scheduled.

“Within the span of three weeks, James Adams’ violence and rage escalated from robbery to felony assault and murder. His growing appetite for violence and easy access to victims proved to be a deadly combination,” Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin said in a statement.

According to Kilmartin’s office, in the early morning hours of June 24, 2012, Adams met a woman at Ultra Night Club in Providence and invited her back to a Johnston residence for an after-hours party. Upon arrival, the woman quickly realized there was no party, and authorities say Adams robbed her of $300. She reported the incident to police in Providence, who notified Johnston police.

Then, on June 30, 2012, authorities say Adams arranged to meet an escort from Backpage.com at the garage at 391 Farmington Ave. in Cranston. As the woman approached, authorities say Adams brandished a handgun and demanded she enter the garage. She turned and attempted to flee, and Adams is said to have pursued and struck her with a hard object, causing her to fall. She was able to escape when a light nearby came on and districted the attacker. The woman sought medical attention at Landmark Medical Center but did not immediately notify authorities.

Then, on July 15, 2012, authorities say Adams arranged to meet Grier, who he also met through a posting on Backpage.com. Her body was found five days later inside the garage at 391 Farmington Ave., with a ligature found around her neck and an autopsy indicating she died of “homicidal violence.”

During the investigation, authorities were able to place Adams near the scene at the time of death, and discovered text messages between Adams and Grier showing their plans to meet at the location that day. Additionally, police discovered a pair of men’s boxer shorts at the scene that were found to have Adams’ DNA.

At the time of his July 24, 2012, arrest in Providence, authorities say Adams discarded a backpack while being pursued by police. In that backpack was found a black handgun, later determined to be an Airsoft pistol. Following his arrest, the victims in the two other incidents are said to have identified Adams through photo arrays.

Cranston Police Detective Sgt. Mike Gates and Detective Anthony Massimino led the investigation, while Assistant Attorney General John Krollman and Special Assistant Attorney General Kimberly Ahern prosecuted the case on behalf of Kilmartin’s office.

In his statement, the attorney general was sharply critical of Backpage.com.

“Despite ongoing and increasing evidence that the website is being utilized by individuals for criminal purposes, including activities resulting in charges of solicitation, rape, human trafficking and even murder, the company continues to allow the activities to continue, and even flourish,” Kilmartin said.

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