In a tragic turn of events that stemmed from the desire to reclaim a stolen luxury purse, 30-year-old Justin Scott Adams of Ligonier, Indiana, lost his life on Monday, March 5, 2018. The male victim was killed alongside a woman, Amanda Feldstein, in a violent encounter that shook the small town. Adams, a talented musician who could sing and play numerous instruments, was remembered for his quick wit and contagious laugh.
He attended West Noble High School, where he ran cross country and developed a passion for music. Above all, he was a loving father to his son, Aiden.
The investigation into the double homicide quickly led authorities to three individuals from Fort Wayne: Michael Jerome Johnson, Tiffani Elaine Cox, and Kyra Justine Frost. The motive for the murders was determined to be the recovery of a Prada purse, valued at nearly $10,000, that had allegedly been taken from Johnson's vehicle. Under the guise of a drug transaction, the trio went to an apartment in Ligonier where the deadly confrontation occurred. Johnson, then 35, later admitted to investigators that he shot both Adams and Feldstein during the attempt to get the purse back.
Following the incident, law enforcement initiated a pursuit that ended with Johnson's arrest. Cox and Frost were also taken into custody. A search of Johnson's vehicle uncovered a cell phone, hypodermic needles, and several purses. The Noble County Prosecutor filed formal charges against the three suspects. Johnson faced two counts of murder while committing robbery and one count of attempted murder while committing robbery. Cox and Frost were both charged with aiding in an armed robbery.
The legal proceedings brought a measure of justice for the victims. Michael Johnson was convicted on two counts of murder and received a sentence of 170 years in prison. His subsequent appeal to have his convictions reduced and his sentence shortened was unsuccessful. Tiffani Cox pleaded guilty and was sentenced to eight years for her role in the crime. Kyra Frost also pleaded guilty to assisting a criminal and faced a potential eight-year prison sentence.
