I hate to add yet another thread about this case, but I really hate reviving old threads because no one reads them once they have about 3 or 4 pages.

I watched the segment twice today, so I am basing my thoughts solely on UM.

One important thing I noticed right off is that Stack mentioned how Adams had become rather "pensive" and withdrawn and had periods of "fluctuating and irritable moods" a short while before his trek to Knoxville. As I had thought before, mental illness rings out like class A fireworks in the night sky here. It is not uncommon for schizophrenia, or other delusional and psychotic psychiatric disorders, to first present in the late 20's to early 30's. Adams was 31.

The other facts that I base the mental illness argument on are, well, everything about the case! I hate to recap it all, but every detail of it seems to support my idea:

Adams went to a friend's house at the wee hours in the morning to attempt to get her to take him across the border. Why not do this at a normal hour? He claimed someone was trying to kill him, but if this was the case, then how come the killer/s didn't knock him off in the ample time they had before his journey began?

Adams had no history of drug abuse, illicit affairs, or any other sort of life problems that could lead to him being subjected to a shady crowd of people that might result in his murder. He was never in the military, any type of police force, or in any type of organized crime. So, a "conspiracy" theory of some sort of illusive group of people following him around seems astronomically low. The notion that he was a "secret agent" or something to that effect is ridiculous.

Nothing about Adams' journey across the border and into the U.S. made any logical sense. Even if he really was being followed, his actions were still far too illogical to not be the result of disorganized or impaired thinking. Disorganized thinking is one of the primary symptoms of schizophrenia.

If Adams really was being stalked or threatened, then why didn't he simply go to the Police? This is one of the first flaws I noticed in the case. It's a simple yet effective observation, I think, that helps prove my point.

The plane ticket fiasco may be the ultimate kicker. He spent quite a bit of cash on a ticket to Germany. He went to the airport on the designated time of his flight, but instead of getting on the plane, he cashes his tickets in and rents a car instead. Then he drives across the border into Seattle. At some point in the NW U.S., he buys yet another plane ticket to Washington D.C. However, instead of spening $300 on a round trip ticket, he spends like $700 on a one way ticket!

Everywhere he stopped along the way, someone remembers his bizarre behavior. He acted paranoid and agitated everywhere he went.

The check-in at the hotel. The camera showed a very ill man in my eyes. He came in and left the lobby 5 times in one hour before finally paying for a room. After he pays for the room, he immediately leaves the lobby without ever going up to his room. He never used the room. I don't know about you, but if I was being stalked, I wouldn't be acting that abnormal and disorganized. I might be scared, but there would be some logic to my actions. I wouldn't be buying tickets to Germany and then cancelling them, I wouldn't walk around a hotel five times before paying for a room that I never planned on using.

The fact that he gave the gas station attendant a key to a car he wasn't even driving. This is odd and bizarre. After he was murdered, Robert Stack said "and suddenly the key to the other car reappeared ten feet from his body." It didn't "reappear," it wasn't lost in the first place!

He has no connections to east Tennessee. Why go to Knoxville? Was he just eager to donate his body to the body farm? (ok, ok, bad joke). If I was being stalked, I would probably not go to a strange town, but rather go somewhere out of state where I had relatives or friends.

Nothing that this man did, as the cops rightly said, makes any sense, even for a man who might really have been running. Extreme and irrational paranoia, disorganized thinking (having no coherent plan), delusions that someone is out to get him -- these are all classic signs of schizophrenic disorders.

Now, the fact he was probably murdered does seem to give the detractors to the mentall illness theory some ammo. However, it really doesn't prove that he was being stalked. All it proves was that he was probably murdered. I think the whole thing was just a weird and unusual self-fulfilling prophecy; that is, what he feared most happened to him. There are many other people who do the things Mr. Adams did all the time -- who run away in fear that someone is out to get them -- but you never hear about them because they are never actually murdered. The fact he was murdered does NOT imply his fears were rational or reality induced. That would be a jump of reason that would not be syllogistic. In other words, B does not necessarily follow A, even though it appears, upon specious examination, that it might.

What happened, I think, is that someone took advantage of him or perhaps he got into a fight with someone (he was very paranoid afterall) and was accidentally hit too hard in the stomach and killed. Either that or it was a robbery gone bad. Yeah, I know all that money was beside the body, but it is possible someone attempted to rob him and then later realized they had killed him, so they fled in fear of what had happened before they got a chance to pick the money up. Or perhaps, they fled because some bystander was getting too close and they didn't want to be IDed.

Nothing, absolutely nothing, in this man's life gives even the slightest hint that any of his delusions were based in reality.

Anyone remember the segment about the young man who went to a small airport demanding a ride on a plane? The witnesses said that he needed a ride because people were out to get him and he seemed extremely agitated. Anyway, he jumped on a wing of a moving plane and fell off and died. When I saw the case, I immediately thought what I am thinking about the Adams case: the poor guy was psychotic. UM never updated the airplane case, but the case has been solved. A few years after the story aired, a woman from another state saw the report and thought it might be her missing son. Her son had ran away from home several years earlier and never returned. He was schizophrenic and had been off his meds. The body was identified as his. I think the Adams case is almost identical to that one, but with the strange coincidence of the man really being murdered.

From the national institute of mental health:

Schizophrenia:

People with schizophrenia may hear voices other people don't hear or they may believe that others are reading their minds, controlling their thoughts, or plotting to harm them. These experiences are terrifying and can cause fearfulness, withdrawal, or extreme agitation.

As you see, Adams exhibited all signs of this. The real travesty here is that people took his delusions as being the result of physical reality. If he would have been hospitalized early on, he would still be alive. There needs to be much more awareness about this. People die because their families refuse to think anything may be medically wrong (due to either ignorance or fear of stigma). The fact is that 1% of the world has this disorder; that is about 3,000,000 people in the U.S. alone.

What you said makes a lot of sense. The one thing that always perplexes me about his case was that key. Remember, he and a service attendant looked high and low for that key. In fact, he even made Blair empty out all his pockets but the key to his Nissan was never found. Next morning, when Blair's body was found, lo and behold, there is the key which mysteriously turns up a few feet away from his body.

Thiussat makes many good points.

Nothing Blair Adams did over the course of his strange odyssey makes sense to me. The plane ticket, the attempts to cross the border, his behavior at the hotel, etc. Nothing adds up.

I can see where some people would believe foul play was involved. It would certainly make the story more compelling. But the reality is occasionally people die indirectly or directly as a result of a psychiatric disorder. I know, I live near the Golden Gate Bridge and each year a dozen or so people jump off, falling to their deaths. Could they have been pushed or thrown off as part of a robbery, or revenge killing, or drug deal gone wrong? Sure, but most are not murdered. They jump off the bridge, commiting suicide because they are suffering from a mental disease known as depression. Its that simple, that boring.

So, am I totally screwed up on this one? (as usual LOL) Lets hear from everyone!

Take care,
Christopher

As a person who holds a degree in Psychology, I do think that a lot of good points have been raised. It's very true that Blair Adams could have suffered from schizophrenia. I'm not sure if there was a family history, but I do believe it usually passes down from the mother's side. It would be worth looking into to see if there is a history of mental health illnesses in Blair's family.

Didn't one of Blair's friends post on here before and mention that there WAS a shady character in Blair's life? I think it had something to do with an ex-girlfriend and if my memory serves correctly, after we asked a bunch of questions, the person disappeared.

I do feel that Blair was most likely murdered, but I am unclear as to why the money was left... and why he was found with his pants inside out and whatnot.

Ricci,

Thanks for the response. I, like you, am a little confounded about the murder. Robbery makes no sense, unless the robbery was interrupted by something. I think it may be possible that Adams, in a delusional state, may have said something to the wrong person and ended up in a fight and was accidentally murdered.

I am no psychologist and would never diagnose someone I have never met (even if I was a shrink), but the signs and symptoms here seem compelling to me. I have been around many mentally ill people due to various friends I have that work in the mental health field. I know schizophrenia when I see it. It seems to me to be one of the most easily recognizable mental disorders.

I don't want to say anything about his family in a public forum, since I am not positive of my suspicion, but if you want to PM me, I will elaborate. I am basing my suspicion on the UM segment, as I have no personal knowledge of him or his family.

Take care.

I'd like to point out that it's possible that Blair intentionally hid the key from the man helping him with his car, especially if he, amid his delusions, thought that he needed to shake someone by staging the whole car/key incident. The same disorganized thought that prompted his travels likely made him more vulnerable to the murder, whatever the motive was - our organized thinking often keeps us out of dangerous situations. Sometimes schizophrenics are murder victims, too...

One of the things that i tend to dispute with this case is that Blair Adams ". behavior was "bizzare". When compared to the Wackers and Cindy James, i feel that Blair Adams activity was very much like how a person who was trying to run away from people trying to kill him (and guess what? He was right! People did kill him). You first idea is to get away and not stay where you are. There is a logic to what Blair was doing

1. Blair was prepared to lam it. He brought sufficient money and jewels to sell.
2. He quit his job in preparation for being on the lam.
3. Blair at first was trying to get someone to help him Cross the Border. In fact if you thing about the first objective was to cross the american-Canadian border. When your in trouble in the US, the first thing that most people do is cross the Mexican Border first. I imagine its the same in Canad
4. I don;t know why people say buying a one-way ticket is so bizzare. I could be wrong but didn't the 9-11 terrorists do the same thing? If Blair had no recourse about coming back to US or Canada, it would make sense that he wasn't that concerned about cost saving and more about escape.
5. If someone were to look into Blairs activities, you might have assumed looking at the records of Blair buying a one-way ticket to Germany, that Blair left there for good. That seems like a perfect diversion in my opinion.
6. Of all the east coast cities, to go to, he decides on Washington D.C.. Not NY, Philadelphia, Miami, Boston, or Atlanta. He choses the nerve center of the countries, political, military, federal crimes organizations. Even when he goes to Knoxville, he is still within driven range of the capitol.
7. Looking and waiting constantly before entering the lobby, is not unusual behavior if you think you could killed or arrested at any moment. One might call his activities cautious. Waiting to see if there was a police setup or if there was someone watching the lobby.
8. Just becaue your paranoid
9. Blairs injuries are very consistent with the classic, two people hold him up, while a third punches him in the stomach.
10. Just cause your paranoid doesn;t mean, nobody is out to get you. If you were on the lam and thought you could be killed any moment you would also exhibit symptoms that people would associate with mentally disturbed individuals.
11. Blair Adams, was right to be scared. He was killed just like he thought at the end of his trek. Regardless whether he was mentally impaired. He was murdered and someone is getting away with his murder. It seems just unlikely to me that he was killed out of random occurence.
12. I am not 100% on this, but i have heard that spreading of the money over the body was doing several times in Europe in cases involving organized crime. Can someone verify that?


Iwhat happened to Blair.

1. He was involved at some point either intentionally or unintentionally in some form of organized crime or espionage.

Blair's flight was prompted by:
1. screwed up in some way and that was beyond fixing (messed up a package, missed a count, lost money, etc..).
2. Something personal involved with a girlfriend, wife of someone in (maybe even a homosexual relation) organized crime. This would explain the pulling down of the pants.
3. Blair at some point decided to be a snitch on an a criminal or espionage organization. At some point Blair was either killed because he was an informant or for some other reason.
4. Another unique possibility is that Blair was responsible for an murder or crime that was undiscovered by the police. Hence Blair was running from the police rather than a criminal organization.

What happened IMHO, was that Blair once things got bad with this organization decided to cross the border and see if things could settle down. When Blair couldn;t get someone to drive him across the border, Blair wanted someone else to drive him to the border to avoid his car being followed or traced. Blair probably figured that he could cross back into Canada at anytime and the orginization would think he fled perhaps to Germany. When Blair couldn;t get someone to take him to the border, Blair had to make more long term plans to be on the lam. Hence he prepared, quit his job, got cash as well as valuables to sell.

Once Blair crossed the border, Blair either decided to go to Germany to either hide or meet with the criminal organization he was a part of, or perhaps it was a ruse. At this point Blair decided to go to Washington DC, for perhaps to meet his handler, or try to be a snitch, or perhaps he same DC as safe haven from the organziation. The mafia has always tried to avoid the DC area.

Then Blair decided to meet the organization in Knoxville. Perhaps as an informant or perhaps to see if he could rectify his situation. Whatever it was, it ended badly with the members attacking him. Their purpose was not to kill Blair but to exact retribution and set an example of him. If they wanted to kill him they could have slit his throat or shot him. What happened was that the blows to his stomach were severe enough to kill him. In any regard the members of this organization were probably not upset with this outcome.

Hence the that is where Blairs trek ends.

JMHO.

Since Blair was so mentally out of it, I don't think it was organized crime but something random. Anyone as peculiar as this fellow was going to be noticed by some other kooks looking for a victim. Maybe they were interuppted after accosting Blair in the dark, thus everything strewn around.

This case is so sad and Blair is one of many in the UM caseloads of normal people who seem to lose it and lose their lives: the guy driving the semi in the mountains later found dead and all those who walk away from their cars into the desert or mountains and are also found dead. Somethings snaps and they may be a permanent unsolved mystery.

As a Knoxvillian, I'd like to share some background info, particularly about the site where Blair was found.

That hotel, then under construction, is in an area known as Strawberry Plains. It's a rather remote area of Knoxville that borders rural Sevier County (where part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is located). In 1996, Strawberry Plains was a very undeveloped part of Knox County, and hotels and restuarants were just beginning to be built up in great capacity there. It seems quite natural for a man---either paranoid schizophrenic or truly on the run---to end up there. It was secluded, a little forgettable, and out-of-the-way. As well, to the immediate west of Strawberry Plains lies downtown Knoxville and the area just outside the campus of the University of Tennessee---both very well known for their transients, prostitutes, and generally shady characters who often come out at night looking for trouble. Going on Thiussat's theories, it isn't at all implausible to think that Blair met up with someone from what we call "the Old City" who just happened to drift over to Strawberry Plains that night.

Last year I was able to find some articles in the News-Sentinel archives about the case, which I posted in a separate thread on here---they're easily found with a search. A security guard working in a nearby business around 3 AM the morning Blair was discovered reported hearing a scream at that same time, described as that of a woman. I tend to believe "the scream" is connected to the murder, as that is consistent with the estimated time of death. But who's the woman?

As a side note, it wasn't until October of last year that the Blair Adams case was listed on the Knox County Sheriff's website in the Cold Case section. Why that was, I have no idea. The Blair Adams case is easily one of the strangest murder cases in our immediate area in years:

http://www.knoxsheriff.org/content/view/201/44/

(Nevermind their calling it "Strawplains" on the Knox Co site. It's local slang.)

He has no connections to east Tennessee. Why go to Knoxville? Was he just eager to donate his body to the body farm? (ok, ok, bad joke)

Dr. Bass would not approve. ;) :crazy:

Since Blair was so mentally out of it, I don't think it was organized crime but something random. Anyone as peculiar as this fellow was going to be noticed by some other kooks looking for a victim. Maybe they were interuppted after accosting Blair in the dark, thus everything strewn around.

Why pull his pants down, then? That would have taken as much time as it would be to steal his money and valuables.

I say this, has there been an evidence other than his behavior that Blair was mentally incapacitated?

Wouldn;t every one agree that the reason we think that Blair was mentally incapacitated was because we don;t have a reason for his activity?

Why pull his pants down, then? That would have taken as much time as it would be to steal his money and valuables.

I say this, has there been an evidence other than his behavior that Blair was mentally incapacitated?

Wouldn;t every one agree that the reason we think that Blair was mentally incapacitated was because we don;t have a reason for his activity?

I used to firmly believe Blair Adams was pursued and murdered by an organized group, and some aspects of the case, like the pants Mastermind mentions, do point in that direction, I think. But Thiussat raises some great points, and I'd honestly never thought of the possibility that a mentally ill, vulnerable Adams may have run into the wrong transient, as there are many of them not very far away from the area he was in (as a matter of fact, I saw many in that vicinity just this very morning). About a quarter of the homeless in the U.S. are mentally ill. I hate to make such a sweeping generalization, but perhaps that may explain the bizarre crime scene.

So now I'm on the fence. I think Mastermind raises a good point: because we can't explain his behavior, there must be something wrong with him. But some of his actions and thoughts are awfully textbook.

Why would a guy, who was afraid for his life, enough so to potentially cross three countries, choose to just go to a deserted, dangerouse area in a rural part of a state he has no connection to?

Blair was afraid to even step in a motel. So no he drives off into Knoxville, Tenn and decides to wander around in a desolate area with rough transients that could very well be working for those people in his crazed mind. People that could kill him very much like the invisible demons he's thinking about in his head.

I think mental illness or not, blair would only go to Knoxville unless he felt it was ABSOLUTELY necessary for him to do so. Such as in he had to meet someone there.


I think the big question that needs to be answered by everyone is this?

Was Blair Adams trek a mindless journey across the US?
or was there a logic and destination to his journey?

I propose the later, that Blairs ultimate destination was either Germany (a country he knew well and had stayed in) or Washington DC ( the home to most of the US law enforcement and military agencies as well as the US political structure) For some reason he chose Washington DC instead off Germany. Knoxville, IMHO was a detour that Blair had to make for some important reason. It was this reason that ultimately killed him.

People question who did Blair know in Knoxville, TN. I want to know, who did Blair know in Washington, DC?

I also believe the key to solving this mystery is in Blair's life in Germany. I will bet my right hand that there is someone that Blair knew in Germany who was associated with organized crime or espionage there. I think Blair got involved with something that

And i bring this again, Blairs first action and desire was to cross the border of US-Canada. He tried it twice. If Blair was crazy he could have just wandered off into Manitoba, Alberta, etc and crossed the border any time he wanted and go to DC or Germany from Canada anytime he wanted.

For some reason Blair could not began his mad trek until he crossed the US border. I ask this, what could make crossing the border so important to him that he couldn;t just go on his journey right then?

There is too much logic to where and how Blair travelled for me to assume his trek was mindless and devoid of reason.

Now, i will conceed to the possibility that Blair in his crazy mind thought he was some secret agent that was being chased by the Russians or someone. That is possible. But again, Blair never showed any signs of mental illness or insanity prior to his desire to cross the border or his voicing that people were trying to kill him.

I also would say a big clue in all of this is the fact that Blair was not stabbed or shot or bludgeoned on the head. He was hit by blows to the stomach, most likely fists. And he was not robbed. His pants were pulled down. That has all the earmarks of the attack being a message/warning for Blair. Unfortunately it was the last warning he would ever get.

The fact that it was a struggle leans toward more than one person. I could be wrong but wasn;t Blair a fairly heavyset person?

My dad always theorized that Blair either went to get help or protection from some agency in D.C., or was going there to "hide" in a large metropolitan area. He thinks he got spooked for some reason or another (much like he had in earlier instances, with the border crossing attempts and the plane tickets) and decided to head south. That's what we don't get though--why Knoxville?

The fact that it was a struggle leans toward more than one person. I could be wrong but wasn;t Blair a fairly heavyset person?

I never thought to think of that. That's a good point. He was a pretty big guy, and a construction worker as well. He probably would've put up a tough fight. Someone would've had to restrain him while another delivered the blows.

That's what we don't get though--why Knoxville?

Desolate area, smaller city, out of the reach of the eyes of the US govt or any one else. Transients there tend to mind their own business. Perfect area for illegal or covert activity. Within driving distance of DC.

IMHO, it wasn;t Blair that chose Knoxville, it was whoever he was supposed to meet there that chose it, Poor Blair, probably knew at that moment that it was game over and that would be his last stop.


Sorry for the long posts and passion on this subject, but this case has really being bugging me ever since I watched it. It;s better than reading an Agatha Christie novel:D

Desolate area, smaller city, out of the reach of the eyes of the US govt or any one else. Transients there tend to mind their own business. Perfect area for illegal or covert activity. Within driving distance of DC.

IMHO, it wasn;t Blair that chose Knoxville, it was whoever he was supposed to meet there that chose it, Poor Blair, probably knew at that moment that it was game over and that would be his last stop.


Sorry for the long posts and passion on this subject, but this case has really being bugging me ever since I watched it. It;s better than reading an Agatha Christie novel:D

True; it's one of the smaller southern cities and is relatively out-of-the-way. It's about 10 hours away from DC by car, but I suppose that's generally driving distance. It's certainly not over a day away.

The long posts and passion don't bother me at all---this is one of my favorite cases and it's especially interesting to me because I live such a short distance away from the crime scene. Knoxville's the third largest city in Tennessee, but crimes like this are not at all common.

As horrific and gruesome as it sounds, if you're going to be murdered, Knoxville is the place to be. Bodies are sent into UT Medical Center from all over the country every day for autopsies, and you've probably heard about our "Body Farm." Blair's autopsy report and its findings are things I'm very sure of.

Here's the BP station Blair stopped at, a shot of I-40 from the cul-de-sac in front of the two hotels (just so you can get an idea of how close they are to the interstate; that sliver of parking lot is where Blair was found), the Fairfield Inn he checked into, and the "motel under construction" across the street, which you'll see turned out to be a Motel 6. All photos are dated 11 MAR 2009.

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Wow! Meg, Thanks so much for going to all that trouble to take that drive and upload the pics for us.

:thanks:

Those are great pictures, really gives us an idea of where this all happened.

Hate to dig up an old thread, but after rewatching this segment today I saw something I'd been missing until now.

I noticed when the autopsy diagrams from UT Med Center were shown, there was an indication that appears as though Blair sustained--for lack of a better phrase--some sort of trauma to the anal area. Nothing was ever mentioned about this in the segment, of course, or on the Knox Co website.

I'm not sure that's exactly what it is, however, because the film quality is not grand on my copy and it's difficult to make out any words (can anyone who has this segment verify?).

If that IS the case, I wonder if that can be considered possible indication that Blair was indeed attacked and hadn't been imagining being stalked, as speculated.

Hate to dig up an old thread, but after rewatching this segment today I saw something I'd been missing until now.

I noticed when the autopsy diagrams from UT Med Center were shown, there was an indication that appears as though Blair sustained--for lack of a better phrase--some sort of trauma to the anal area. Nothing was ever mentioned about this in the segment, of course, or on the Knox Co website.

I'm not sure that's exactly what it is, however, because the film quality is not grand on my copy and it's difficult to make out any words (can anyone who has this segment verify?).

If that IS the case, I wonder if that can be considered possible indication that Blair was indeed attacked and hadn't been imagining being stalked, as speculated

Anal or rectal?

1.Could be a defensive wound, from someone's knee being pushed against his back in a struggle
2. If they wanted to humiliate him by having his pants down, they could also have shoved a pipe up him as well.

Anal or rectal?

1.Could be a defensive wound, from someone's knee being pushed against his back in a struggle
2. If they wanted to humiliate him by having his pants down, they could also have shoved a pipe up him as well.

Not too sure on that very first point; the writing is almost impossible to read on the report.

I was thinking something like a pipe or other instrument may have been used myself--but if it was, it almost definitely was not left in him. No account I've ever come across has ever mentioned anything to that effect, and as sadistic as it sounds, I would imagine something like that would be rather "newsworthy." :(

At the very least it would explain why exactly his pants were pulled down.

I was thinking something like a pipe or other instrument may have been used myself--

Was thinking the same thing. It's not out of the question that this same pipe or object was used to create the fatal blow to his stomach.

Most likely the anal/rectal wound was done after this blow, since most likely his pants were removed post-attack.

As for his pants, it's important to keep in mind that whoever attacked Blair, emptied out the contents of his pockets. They knew what he had money on him.

The fact his pants were down may have been both for humiliation and to make it easier to look through the contents of his pants.

One theory I thought about was that maybe it was a theft, but not of money.

Maybe they were looking for a key? Perhaps this key was on the same ring as the rental car key? Safety deposit box? Keys to a car or house?

Something else that occurs to me is that Blair's attackers did not want to kill him. If they did they would have used a knife gun or attacked him with more blows. They seemed to have just wanted to attack him or debilitate him.

One theory I thought about was that maybe it was a theft, but not of money.

Maybe they were looking for a key? Perhaps this key was on the same ring as the rental car key? Safety deposit box? Keys to a car or house?

I was thinking the exact thing yesterday--his attackers seemed to be definitely looking for something. His entire person was essentially rifled through. Whatever it was, it was apparently of upmost importance--more important than all the thousands of dollars worth of cash and valuables Blair was carrying. Kind of makes me think that the attackers might be quite used to dealing in the expensive: they didn't have to rob Blair. It didn't matter to them. But whatever they knew he was carrying did.

A possible key on the rental car ring is very interesting. It might explain why the Toyota key suddenly appeared at the murder scene.


Something else that occurs to me is that Blair's attackers did not want to kill him. If they did they would have used a knife gun or attacked him with more blows. They seemed to have just wanted to attack him or debilitate him.

I agree. I would imagine most don't automatically move to land a blow to the stomach in order to kill someone. It's a debilitating move, not a typically fatal one.

Anal trauma....the only thing I could think of if that is what happened is maybe that he was raped. If that was true, I really feel horrible about what happened to him. He must have been so scared.

Could people have been looking for an item in his body? Perhaps the trauma was the result of an overzealous cavity search.

Anal trauma....the only thing I could think of if that is what happened is maybe that he was raped. If that was true, I really feel horrible about what happened to him. He must have been so scared.

Possible, but

1. That would potential mean there were multiple assailants.
2. I assume there was also no evidence of semen, so if it was rape it was via an
object
3. Even if he was raped, it doesn't explain why they search his pockets and left the money. They can rape him and get a huge payday all the same time.
4. How common is male on male rape outside of prisons and in the armed forces. What are the odds of it?

Could people have been looking for an item in his body? Perhaps the trauma was the result of an overzealous cavity search.

Wow I never thought about that, but your right!!. Drugs, keys and film have been known to have been smuggles in anal cavities all over the world. Heck that wound could have been self-inflicted by Blair when hiding the contraband!:eek:

I watched this segment again today.

As mentioned by mastermind, Blair Adams quit his job (and asked for his last paycheck) in preparation of going on the run.

If he was mentally ill, I wonder how his job performance was. I would think that his boss and coworkers would be able to say if Blair was a normal employee, or if he was odd or suffering delusions.

I think it was interesting that Blair actually had some gold bars on him. Who, at his age and back in the 90s, was investing in solid gold? I think it’s kind of unusual, except maybe that he didn’t have a family to support, so he had enough money to buy gold.

I don't remember how he got the german currency. I think it was mastermind who mentioned that Blair had traveled to germany before. Are they any details on this?

As mentioned earlier, the autopsy report shows a line pointing to the rectal area of the drawing of the body, with two words written in tight cursive that I could not decipher, either.

Meg mentioned that the motel where Blair was found was under construction at the time of his murder. Maybe there were no lights on in the area where he was killed. If he were killed in the dark my random attackers and not people actually following him, maybe the killers couldn’t see that he was carrying such a large amount of valuables. Was his wallet missing?

I don't remember how he got the german currency. I think it was mastermind who mentioned that Blair had traveled to germany before. Are they any details on this?

I believe that Blair lived in Germany for a significant amount of time. Actually Blair was constantly travelling across Europe if I seem to remember.

Meg mentioned that the motel where Blair was found was under construction at the time of his murder. Maybe there were no lights on in the area where he was killed. If he were killed in the dark my random attackers and not people actually following him, maybe the killers couldn’t see that he was carrying such a large amount of valuables. Was his wallet missing?

I'm gonna take a guess that his wallet was found, due to the fact that they identified the body. I assume it was done via a driver's license.

The problem with your theory is that the crooks took the money out and were aware that he had some cash since they arranged it on the ground.

Couple of things about this case:
1. it involves three separate countries (Canada, US, Germany). I also don;t think the FBI ever involved. That means that the Knoxville, TN police had to investigate this case themselves under their own budget. I wonder if they even had a chance to visit or interview people in Vancouver, due to budget restrictions? That would explain a lot about why this case has not been solved.

2. Anal sex is not necessarily a homosexual act. Several heterosexual males perform in anal sex. In fact, many men go to female prostitutes for that very service that they may not get from their wives or girlfriends. So the wound on Blair;'s anal area does not necessarily mean that he had homosexual inclinations. From what was hinted in the segment, Blair seemed to be more heterosexual than anything.

3. The main reason Blair couldn't go to Amercia originally was because according to customs, he fit the profile of a money launderer. For a guy that worked in construction. Blair travelled internationaly quite frequently.

4. Blair brought his bag of valuables with him when he went outside to the parking area. This leads to the idea that Blair was planning to go somewhere at the time. Or he didn't trust leaving the valuables in the motel. Where he could be going at that time or why he was standing in a parking area is a mystery. Where was he gong to? Who was he waiting for?

here is my take on the blair adams case......has someone said, knoxville is filled with shady people, atleast the area where they found his body.....A security guard said they heard a scream of a woman. Now i do not believe he was chased down by a spy agency or anything, he ran into bad luck......

could it not be that he only imagined those things and somehow met a prostitute in that area. That explains why his pants were down and some sort of anal penetration? This could all be done in the car. Then all of a sudden, her pimp pops out, the lady screams....Blair frantically gets out and bam gets clubbed in the stomach, they eventually search his pockets and leave.....

maybe he was sweet talked by a prostitute and the idea of a quick sexual liason had blair interested?

here is my take on the blair adams case......has someone said, knoxville is filled with shady people, atleast the area where they found his body.....A security guard said they heard a scream of a woman. Now i do not believe he was chased down by a spy agency or anything, he ran into bad luck......

could it not be that he only imagined those things and somehow met a prostitute in that area. That explains why his pants were down and some sort of anal penetration? This could all be done in the car. Then all of a sudden, her pimp pops out, the lady screams....Blair frantically gets out and bam gets clubbed in the stomach, they eventually search his pockets and leave.....

maybe he was sweet talked by a prostitute and the idea of a quick sexual liason had blair interested?

anyone share this belief???

As a Knoxvillian, I'd like to share some background info, particularly about the site where Blair was found.

Hi Meg,

I'm hoping you'd be willing to share some local information with me?

I'm wondering if there was any other hotels or motels between the Fairfield Inn and the BP gas station, back in 1996?

Also, does the Fairfield have a back door that guests can use?

I wonder how much all that gold and platinum is worth today that he had in his pouch bag.

I wonder how much all that gold and platinum is worth today that he had in his pouch bag.
they said thousands of dollars in gold, jewerly and etc.

I looked and some idiot edited out his whole profile case on the Unsolved Mysteries Wiki page and put some dragged-out story about someone else on there. The bad thing about the Wiki is that anyone can just go and edit stuff on there. They need to moderate it better and have it to where only one edit a day is permitted, like other Wiki pages I've seen.

I looked and some idiot edited out his whole profile case on the Unsolved Mysteries Wiki page and put some dragged-out story about someone else on there. The bad thing about the Wiki is that anyone can just go and edit stuff on there. They need to moderate it better and have it to where only one edit a day is permitted, like other Wiki pages I've seen.


How annoying. Whoever changed Blair's page posted a big rambling bunch of stuff in a giant paragraph that's practically unreadable. (And I didn't read it.)

In the edit history of that page, it only shows the IP address of the person who did that. 128.252.173.4 I don't know how to figure out who that is. The only other people who've edited Blair's page are Thor2000 (the guy who started the UM wikia) and Unsolved243. They are also members here and are obviously reputable wiki editors.

There is at least a bit of good news. Go the page http://unsolvedmysteries.wikia.com/wiki/Blair_Adams and then click on the little arrow next to the "edit this page" button. On the drop down menu, click "history". On the page it brings up, click on "September 19, 2011". That's the last edit that Thor did to the page and clicking on that brings up the proper version of Blair's wiki page, including all the correct info.

I did a search of the IP address that altered Blair Adams' page at the UM wiki. It looks like it's a library computer at Washington University in St. Louis, which makes sense, considering the rambling mess posted by that person concerns an arson fire in St. Louis in 1973.

Desolate area, smaller city, out of the reach of the eyes of the US govt or any one else. Transients there tend to mind their own business. Perfect area for illegal or covert activity. Within driving distance of DC.

:D

I think you may be reading too much into Knoxville. If you start at DC with a full tank, you'll need to get gas around Knoxville. (BTW Knoxville is nowhere near DC!) He stopped for gas but in his mental state he then couldn't find the right key so he was stuck there. Where was he headed from there? Hard to say. He would have had to take I-66 which runs near Dulles Airport runs into I-81 which ends at I-40. From Knoxville I-40 heads out west but I-75 which runs into I-40 west of Knoxville runs down to Florida via Atlanta. He could also have easily got on I-59 to New Orleans. Many roads out of Atlanta. Basically, he could have been headed anywhere. Seems he was driving in a straight but random line to me so that "they" wouldn't get him.

My personal theory is that he was acting crazy wandering around near his motel and ran into people that roll such people (there is a truck stop right across the street which was probably there then and more than one UM segment has been based on truck stop predators) or maybe a truck stpop hoooker and her support staff and that he started acting so crazy (maybe ripping his clothes off and throwing money around and making noise) that the killers just struck him hard to shut him up and after seeing the blood and his stillness fled, possibly grabbing his bag on the way out and tossing it nearby when nothing of value was found in it.

Hi Meg,

I'm wondering if there was any other hotels or motels between the Fairfield Inn and the BP gas station, back in 1996?



The tow truck guy drove him but I'd presume they didn't start at the BP but at the East Knoxville Auto Repair Shop where the police ultimately found the car. Even if there were closer motels, the Fairfield may have been easier to get to based on lights, ramps, etc. or more convenient for the driver who had to go somewhere afterwards.

>>>I believe that Blair lived in Germany for a significant amount of time. Actually Blair was constantly travelling across Europe if I seem to remember.<<<

He only lived in Germany for four months six months before the murder according to his friend who posted on another thread. He was supposed to stay 2 years but instead came back early. He probably still had German money (soon to be replaced by the Euro) from his time there. I lived in Germany for three years and had some currency for several years afterwards until I finally went to the airport and exchanged it.

Here's the BP station Blair stopped at, a shot of I-40 from the cul-de-sac in front of the two hotels (just so you can get an idea of how close they are to the interstate; that sliver of parking lot is where Blair was found), the Fairfield Inn he checked into, and the "motel under construction" across the street, which you'll see turned out to be a Motel 6. All photos are dated 11 MAR 2009.



Meg, thanks for the pics. in the articles you posted on this case the story says the victim was found at a motel being built on Crosswood Boulevard not Crackerbarrel Road, so this has to be either the Super 8 (which is right behind the BP) or the Red Roof Inn not the Motel 6. The Super 8 is kind of across the street if I-40 is the street!

I wonder if the police ever investigated the guy from the BP as he would have known that Adams had money, etc. and the body was found behind the BP. Or the tow truck driver. Either could have offered to take Adams out to dinner or some such and maybe have ulterior motives. Usually seemingly odd crimes have such an easy solution.

I may have to travel from KC to Fayetteville this summer and I will check out the site on the way!

JJM

But why were his pants pulled down is what I want to know

Hi all! This case is one that has perplexed me for many years. Blair was, IMO running from something, or someone. Whether or not it was real or imaginary, we will probably never know. It seems to me that if the "threat" was indeed real, then whatever Blair did to upset his pursuers must have been pretty bad to follow him cross country to kill him. The key/inside out pants issue is one that I haven't been able to ascertain the reason for. Did Blair remove them himself? Maybe he took them off in a panic as a last ditch attempt to find the missing key, so he could take off again, and that could indeed be where the key was. Was there any mention as to whether or not the pants had pockets on the inside of them. If so, maybe he was searching the inside pockets for something...the key perhaps, and some people came upon him doing so, and killed him in a fit of rage? Did Blair have a history of drug use of any kind? Maybe it was a drug deal gone wrong, and before the perps could gather all of his valuables, a witness came upon the scene and the killers fled. If we are unsure of exactly how much he had on him, there is no way of knowing that he wasn't robbed of at least some of his money. There is so much about this case that just does NOT add up in any way, that it's really anyone's guess as to what truly happened.

Hi all...I just had a few questions that I don't recall whether or not they were covered so far regarding this case.

1.) How well did they interview/cross examine the gas station attendant? Were there any witnesses which could confirm his story about Blair emptying his pockets in search of the missing key? Is it possible that Blair and the attendant had some sort of disagreement/altercation of some kind while there at the station, or maybe Blair disclosed (either accidentally or purposefully) that he had a large sum of money/jewelry on him and perhaps the attendant knew where Blair would be staying, and followed him with the intent to rob him? Perhaps, knowing Blair's mental state, as well as how much money he had on him, the gas attendant directed him to the hotel where Blair was staying, so he knew EXACTLY where he would be? I am not trying to falsely accuse, of course, but it couldn't hurt to know more. I don't know about you all, but for me, growing up in the 80's mechanics, gas attendants and the like didn't come off as the most wholesome of individuals. Without knowing exactly how much money Blair had on him at the time, its impossible to say for sure whether or not he may have been robbed. Possibly the robbery was interrupted by a witness and, during the struggle, the money got flung all over and the attacker only made away with a minimal amount, before being spotted. It seems very strange to me, the attendants story regarding the key. Blair pulled into the station in his rental car, then moments later he couldn't start it because he had the "wrong keys". That just doesn't jive with me at all.

2.) The pants. Were they the type of pants that may have had pockets on the inside? Could that be perhaps where the missing key was? If a mugging was a motive, maybe the ripped off his pants to make sure he didn't have any more valuables on him? I know when I was a kid, I had a few pairs of pants with pockets on the inside of them, mainly on the legs.

3.) There were rumors that I have read, of Blair being bisexual. Could this have possibly been a secret meeting with darker intentions? I have heard of cases (think Matthew Shepherd, for example) where heterosexual people pretend to be gay, for no other reason that to do harm, or "gay bash" a gay person (although I know this has happened to many women, blacks, etc as well, such as the Craigslist killer). Maybe Blair made a pass at the wrong person, and that set off a VERY violent reaction in the other individual, so much in fact, that they decided to kill him for it? Why the heck was he in Knoxville in the first place? Furthermore, if he would not have lost the keys to the rental car, would he have even stayed in Knoxville, or moved on to someplace else? I wonder if the woman at the hotel saw anyone approach or interact with Blair in any way during that time he was pacing in and out of the lobby. She did say it looked like he was waiting for someone.

Overall I would like to find out more about this gas station attendant. Something with his story just seems a bit fishy to me. I could be way off base, of course, but this case, as baffling as it is, needs to really be examined at all angles, because none of this adds up at all.

I think you may be reading too much into Knoxville. If you start at DC with a full tank, you'll need to get gas around Knoxville. (BTW Knoxville is nowhere near DC!) He stopped for gas but in his mental state he then couldn't find the right key so he was stuck there. Where was he headed from there? Hard to say. He would have had to take I-66 which runs near Dulles Airport runs into I-81 which ends at I-40. From Knoxville I-40 heads out west but I-75 which runs into I-40 west of Knoxville runs down to Florida via Atlanta. He could also have easily got on I-59 to New Orleans. Many roads out of Atlanta. Basically, he could have been headed anywhere. Seems he was driving in a straight but random line to me so that "they" wouldn't get him.

My personal theory is that he was acting crazy wandering around near his motel and ran into people that roll such people (there is a truck stop right across the street which was probably there then and more than one UM segment has been based on truck stop predators) or maybe a truck stpop hoooker and her support staff and that he started acting so crazy (maybe ripping his clothes off and throwing money around and making noise) that the killers just struck him hard to shut him up and after seeing the blood and his stillness fled, possibly grabbing his bag on the way out and tossing it nearby when nothing of value was found in it.

This case aired this morning. I really like the theory that Blair was only in Knoxville because he stopped for gas. It's makes perfect sense to me.

I think you may be reading too much into Knoxville. If you start at DC with a full tank, you'll need to get gas around Knoxville. (BTW Knoxville is nowhere near DC!) He stopped for gas but in his mental state he then couldn't find the right key so he was stuck there. Where was he headed from there? Hard to say. He would have had to take I-66 which runs near Dulles Airport runs into I-81 which ends at I-40. From Knoxville I-40 heads out west but I-75 which runs into I-40 west of Knoxville runs down to Florida via Atlanta. He could also have easily got on I-59 to New Orleans. Many roads out of Atlanta. Basically, he could have been headed anywhere. Seems he was driving in a straight but random line to me so that "they" wouldn't get him.

My personal theory is that he was acting crazy wandering around near his motel and ran into people that roll such people (there is a truck stop right across the street which was probably there then and more than one UM segment has been based on truck stop predators) or maybe a truck stpop hoooker and her support staff and that he started acting so crazy (maybe ripping his clothes off and throwing money around and making noise) that the killers just struck him hard to shut him up and after seeing the blood and his stillness fled, possibly grabbing his bag on the way out and tossing it nearby when nothing of value was found in it.

This case aired this morning. I really like the theory that Blair was only in Knoxville because he stopped for gas. It's makes perfect sense to me.

I don't know how many of you are familiar with the Thinking Sideways podcast, but they covered the Blair Adams case last week:
http://thinkingsidewayspodcast.com/

One piece of info they mention which I didn't know was that Blair's duffel bag contained a bunch of receipts, one of which was the receipt for his rental car... signed with someone else's name! The signature was for a person who was apparently a friend of Blair's from Canada, but they've never been publicly named. It's unclear if this person really did sign the agreement or if Blair simply decided to forge someone else's name.

Anyway, the whole podcast is worth a listen and has a bunch of interesting theories. They even make mention of this very message board and discuss a poster named "Nerdgurl" who showed up here years ago and claimed to be a friend of Blair's before sharing some wild (but unsubstantiated) theories about Blair going to Germany for a construction job and having an affair with a young girl, which may have prompted someone to target him.

Anyway, the whole podcast is worth a listen and has a bunch of interesting theories. They even make mention of this very message board and discuss a poster named "Nerdgurl" who showed up here years ago and claimed to be a friend of Blair's before sharing some wild (but unsubstantiated) theories about Blair going to Germany for a construction job and having an affair with a young girl, which may have prompted someone to target him.

Oh yeah, I remember that. It was weird, but it seemed like a few people were satisfied with at least Blair being on a job in Germany as an explanation for why the currency was on his person. Curious that it's never been confirmed or denied publicly, though.

This case aired this morning. I really like the theory that Blair was only in Knoxville because he stopped for gas. It's makes perfect sense to me.

Co-sign.

I think it's the simplest explanation--just like the investigator said in the segment, he had no friends, family, or ties to this area at all.

I think he was ill, and someone took advantage of him.

I don't know how many of you are familiar with the Thinking Sideways podcast, but they covered the Blair Adams case last week:
http://thinkingsidewayspodcast.com/

One piece of info they mention which I didn't know was that Blair's duffel bag contained a bunch of receipts, one of which was the receipt for his rental car... signed with someone else's name! The signature was for a person who was apparently a friend of Blair's from Canada, but they've never been publicly named. It's unclear if this person really did sign the agreement or if Blair simply decided to forge someone else's name.

Anyway, the whole podcast is worth a listen and has a bunch of interesting theories. They even make mention of this very message board and discuss a poster named "Nerdgurl" who showed up here years ago and claimed to be a friend of Blair's before sharing some wild (but unsubstantiated) theories about Blair going to Germany for a construction job and having an affair with a young girl, which may have prompted someone to target him.

I just listened to the Thinking Sideways podcast episode on this yesterday, and saw it on UM this morning. I thought the receipt for the rental car being signed with someone else's name was VERY interesting. I hadn't heard that bit of info either, but wow. That kind of changes any theory I had! Now I don't know what to think. I also hadn't heard that he died from a ruptured stomach. I cant imagine how painful that must of been.

I just listened to the Thinking Sideways podcast episode on this yesterday, and saw it on UM this morning. I thought the receipt for the rental car being signed with someone else's name was VERY interesting. I hadn't heard that bit of info either, but wow. That kind of changes any theory I had! Now I don't know what to think. I also hadn't heard that he died from a ruptured stomach. I cant imagine how painful that must of been.

Yeah, I cringe at the theory that Blair got into an altercation with someone elsewhere walked around for awhile with a painful ruptured stomach before he collapsed in the parking lot. It would be incredible if some random person struck Blair in the stomach at another location and did not even realize that they ultimately caused his death.

Yeah, I cringe at the theory that Blair got into an altercation with someone elsewhere walked around for awhile with a painful ruptured stomach before he collapsed in the parking lot. It would be incredible if some random person struck Blair in the stomach at another location and did not even realize that they ultimately caused his death.


All signs at the murder scene point to the attack being busted, probably because Blair was making a lot of noise and the attacker(s) having to flee, leaving money behind on the ground and jettisoning the duffle bag. Killing someone by a punch in the stomach does not seem the usual way, perhaps implying a robbery, a punch to shut him up, pants pulled down to keep him from running away, and then a sudden getaway. In other words the goal was robbery not murder...

Blair was seemingly wandering around carrying the big old duffle bag, which would seem odd to anyone seeing him, even more so in a place like Knoxville. This may have made bad guys interested in robbery.

My theory is that if someone was really folllowing Blair around, they had to be pretty inept. Why chase him down that far, when obviously they had to be pretty close behind him to follow all his twists and turns. It seems there would have been an earlier, easier time to attack before this supposed stalker did attack.

finally listened to the whole podcast. it was pretty good. after listening I now think Blair went somewhere and had a big meal because his stomach would only rupture if full. I think robbers saw him there acting strange carrying the duffle bag and probably paying with a hundred dollar bill and decided to roll him. After mugging him he started acting crazy so they hit him in the stomach with a brick or something and fled when he continued to act loud.
You'd have thought an autopsy would have discovered what his last meal was. Probably truck stop food.

I just listened to the Thinking Sideways podcast episode on this yesterday, and saw it on UM this morning. I thought the receipt for the rental car being signed with someone else's name was VERY interesting. I hadn't heard that bit of info either, but wow. That kind of changes any theory I had! Now I don't know what to think. I also hadn't heard that he died from a ruptured stomach. I cant imagine how painful that must of been.

I listened to the Thinking Sideways podcast about this case as well, and it was really good - offered several different scenarios that I have not read or heard anywhere. This case is so bizarre on so many levels, but overall the podcast was not only entertaining (three different hosts with three different perspectives, layered with funny quips), it also covered a lot of ground. I think Blair did have a reason to worry about someone stalking him, but ultimately he met his fate by a stranger in Tennessee.

I think it's interesting that Meg brought up the autopsy report photo indicating that something was done to Blair's anal area and the detective interviewed for the segment mentioned something about Blair not being a homosexual. Granted this could just have been a dated remark from the 90's (the old stereotype about gay people being shady), or it could have been a theory that they were working on, but couldn't come up with any evidence to verify it. The fact that he wound up dead at a hotel across from the one he was staying at would lend some credence to a possible rendezvous with someone that turned deadly.

There is probably a couple of things UM left out that if they mentioned it the case would not be as bizarre. Unsolved Mysteries does a good job making the cases interesting. Especially when Robert Stack was there. Stack had a cool spooky voice.

I drove past the Blair Adams exit last week outside of Knoxville. I agree he was probably just off the highway to get gas. The exit is basically just gas stations and hotels.

Fortunately I had listened to the Thinking Sideways podcast with my beloved so he didn't think I was completely crazy when we passed the exit and I shouted "that's the exit!"

I think it's interesting that Meg brought up the autopsy report photo indicating that something was done to Blair's anal area and the detective interviewed for the segment mentioned something about Blair not being a homosexual. Granted this could just have been a dated remark from the 90's (the old stereotype about gay people being shady), or it could have been a theory that they were working on, but couldn't come up with any evidence to verify it. The fact that he wound up dead at a hotel across from the one he was staying at would lend some credence to a possible rendezvous with someone that turned deadly.

I just watched the segment this morning, since it's toward the end of Season 9 and I've made my way through it over the past few days. The autopsy report drawing definitely says 'Anal penetration'. It had been impossible to make out over all these years.

Dr. Elkins, the pathologist that performed the autopsy, was actually involved in an incident about ten years later in which she made some sort of suicidal gestures at her home and someone called the police. She ended up threatening to shoot one of the officers and had to be restrained. I think she retired shortly thereafter. Dr. Grindstaff, the resident who assisted during the procedure, still works at the hospital and is one of the staff pathologists.

I had to laugh at that first autopsy report sheet--the last four digits of the phone number for University Pathologists are STILL the last four digits for the pathology department. I call it nearly every day at work.

If Blair was mentally ill, I wonder why this apparent psychosis or delusion or whatever persisted as long as it did--from before July 5th to July 11th when he was ultimately killed in Knoxville. Or why, once he got into the United States, it didn't cause him any apparent problems prior to his arrival here in TN.

A new article about this case was just published this morning containing a few pieces of info I never knew before:
http://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/crime/2017/09/11/unsolved-canadian-blair-adams-raced-knox-county-slain-half-nude-his-gold-untouched/610262001/

I think the most bizarre revelation is that Blair's mother is now claiming that the purpose of his trip down south was to attend the Olympic games in Atlanta even though they didn't actually start until 8 days after his death and she never shared this info with the police back in 1996.

That's a good find there, RobinW!

I also below the chances of solving this one are pretty remote, just as the step father said. I am curious as to why his mother is saying this about the Olympic games, and why it was never previously disclosed. That seems really, really odd.

Just curious, do you have google alerts set up for your favorites?

That's a good find there, RobinW!

I also below the chances of solving this one are pretty remote, just as the step father said. I am curious as to why his mother is saying this about the Olympic games, and why it was never previously disclosed. That seems really, really odd.

Just curious, do you have google alerts set up for your favorites?

I'm on the Unresolved Mysteries subreddit almost daily, which is where I usually find out about these updates. This post was actually made by the writer of the article, who even comments about his odd interactions with Blair's mother:
https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/6zfyuv/unresolved_crime_new_details_on_blair_adams/

Thanks . I need to check that more often. It's hard enough to keep up to date with this site.

I guess it doesn't surprise me that Blair's mother seems so odd. There could be a number of factors at play. The first mom that comes to mind is Noreen Gosh. God bless her soul.

After reading this article, I can only think of three good theories:

1) He visited a prostitute and they planned on beating and robbing him, but they were scared off and bolted

2) He met someone for sex and somehow made them mad (either humiliated or asked them to do something weird) and that person snapped

3) Seeing as Blair was obviously having some sort of psychological problems (real or imagined) in the days before his death, I wouldn't rule out him harming himself and/or paying someone to beat him up

The fact that so much money and valuables were left right there says either robbery played no part of this, or the person had to get out in a hurry. I don't put a ton of stock in theory #3 above, but then again it wouldn't be the first time something like that happened. His mother's statement only muddy the waters more, and it makes you think there is serious mental issues in that family.

This is just such an odd case. Who the hell rolls with gold coins and bars in a fanny pack? :confused:

This is just such an odd case. Who the hell rolls with gold coins and bars in a fanny pack? :confused:

http://assets.nydailynews.com/polopoly_fs/1.2878296.1479442198!/img/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/article_750/rock18f-2-web.jpg

The prosecution rests. :lol: :lol: :lol:

The prosecution rests. :lol: :lol: :lol:

HAHAHAHAHA!!! :lol:

Oh, wow... That has me crying right now. So freaking funny!

I just watched the segment this morning, since it's toward the end of Season 9 and I've made my way through it over the past few days. The autopsy report drawing definitely says 'Anal penetration'. It had been impossible to make out over all these years.

Interesting. That, coupled with the new article makes me convinced more than ever that this was a sex act turned into murder. But it's still baffling.

-Blair was behaving erratically weeks all the way up until he was last seen alive.
-Blair had no drugs or alcohol found in his system.
-The security guard working nearby the motel where he was found recalls hearing a scream at around 3:30. He says it sounded like a woman.
-Prostitution was rampant in that area back then at a nearby truck stop.
-According to the new article, his rental car was towed to an auto repair shop from the gas station, so he was essentially stranded there until the next morning.

Knowing all of the above, and assuming that the security guard was correct in hearing the voice was a female, Blair could've went out to get something to eat sometime after getting a room. This map (https://www.google.com/maps/dir/7471+Crosswood+Blvd,+Knoxville,+TN+37924/1551+Cracker+Barrel+Ln,+Knoxville,+TN+37914/Pilot+Travel+Center/@36.0017992,-83.7809974,1218m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m20!4m19!1m5!1m1!1s0x885c11edf1305ce7:0x2d64f63121ade9ab!2m2!1d-83.7792236!2d36.0039567!1m5!1m1!1s0x885c11edac6edc91:0x5d03f317fac44276!2m2!1d-83.7806274!2d36.0019538!1m5!1m1!1s0x0:0x5be2d4d2a18c0b86!2m2!1d-83.7774909!2d35.9996763!3e2) shows where he was staying (off of Cracker Barrel Lane), and the truck stop where he could've walked to get something to eat. This is where he's "accosted" or picked up by a prostitute (possibly with his/her pimp nearby), and they head out together to the construction site at Crosswood Blvd. I think they were in the middle of doing something sexual, and one of two things happened:

-Blair, due to his mental state at the time, freaked out and an argument escalated into a fight in which the person beat Blair to death.
-Blair was being set up by the prostitute and pimp, and while they tried robbing him, he fought back but was eventually over taken and killed.

I lean towards the 2nd theory more, because it could account for the scream heard by the security guard, why Blair's pants were found around his ankles, and also why none of the currency was taken. I don't think they anticipated on him fighting back. Of course, if it was a male prostitute that was picked up, I could definitely see scenario one happening too. I wonder if both male and female prostitutes frequented that truck stop.

Maybe the mother is lying because her husband is somehow connected to the murder.

Is it possible for the answer to be "a little from column A and a little from column B?" Maybe this whole journey was set off by some kind of mental breakdown and during all this, he met up with someone and due to said illness, either he freaked out and started a fight which left him dead or maybe because his ability to reason was compromised, he sought out sex and ignored some warning signs. As a result, he wound up dead. It is entirely possible that Blair Adams may have just had the worst possible luck ever.

Maybe the mother is lying because her husband is somehow connected to the murder.Very good point there.

From the Knoxville News Sentinel Sept. 11th article:

Other calls to Edwards' home were answered by her husband, who grew angry, called chances of solving the case "remote as hell," and said, "We're not going to open that can of worms again."

I view that comment with great suspicion and that the husband knows more than he wants the authorities (or anyone else) to know.

Just watched this one - I tend not to pay too much attention to it given how bizarre it is, but I was curious as to what people's theories were. I read through all 5 pages of the thread here and given the location, I figure yeah, it was probably a prostitution encounter gone bad.

I don't buy the fact that he was running from someone/something based purely on the manner in which he was killed. Anyone who's got the skill and persistence to follow him back and forth across the country isn't going to be some amateur--yet given the cause of death, the way which his body was laid out and the fact all those valuables were still there in the open basically screams it.

Going back to the Knoxville Newspaper Article, I think the cop got it right. Although I'm going to differ and say instead of it being an out and out robbery, I think the prostitute was pulling some kinky stuff on Blair (explaining the anal/rectal damage), he got spooked (because it was *too kinky*) and either he refused to pay or was just creating so much of a commotion that he had to be silenced. So the pimp comes up, quick whacks him on the head, pushes him out of the car and runs over him on the way out of the lot.

Robbery could've been a motive, but to me, it seems like they (prostitute & pimp) were in too much of a rush and wanted to subdue/get rid of him too quick. I'd like to think even the worst/clumsiest of robbers would get away with at least *something*.........in this scenario though, they roughed him up, ran him over and then just plain ran.

There's a good YT series called Dark Matters that profiled this case. She's done a few cases that were on UM...I found that channel when searching for vids on the Brian Shaffer case (the most perplexing unsolved mystery I know of) and I am really enjoying the content

I have some interesting info which could kind of wrap some of the mystery up.

I have some interesting info which could kind of wrap some of the mystery up.Great. We’d love to see it.

Whatcha’ got?

Great. We’d love to see it.

Whatcha’ got?

Well...maybe it's not that great info but it would explain a certain amount.

Clue: Think dates(in terms of time) and do some detective work.

I just noticed a post above already saying what I was going to say that his mother had said that he wanted to go to Atlanta for the summer Olympics. He was killed on the 11th July and the games started on the 18th.

This makes the most sense.

His erratic behaviour could be due to taking hallucinogenic drugs, that's pure speculation though.

The only slightly weird thing left is why he bought a flight to Germany and never took it and why he paid so much for the D.C flight.

Almost certain he was looking for a prostitute or drugs in Knoxville also.

I have some interesting info which could kind of wrap some of the mystery up.

So you don't have any info. Just speculation.

So you don't have any info. Just speculation.Thank you. My thoughts exactly.

Well the info was that he was headed to Atlanta which is a 4 hour drive from Knoxville.

That explains what he was doing in that part of the world, not randomly running away from some bogeyman.

This ties up a lot, he had a reason for his travel .

He probably got into some small time trouble at home and decided to go on a travelling holiday and why not take in the atmosphere of the Olympics opening ceremony. Spend a few weeks on the road then return to Canada.

Well the info was that he was headed to Atlanta which is a 4 hour drive from Knoxville.

That explains what he was doing in that part of the world, not randomly running away from some bogeyman.

This ties up a lot, he had a reason for his travel .

He probably got into some small time trouble at home and decided to go on a travelling holiday and why not take in the atmosphere of the Olympics opening ceremony. Spend a few weeks on the road then return to Canada.

Blair going to Atlanta was not new information.

Blair going to Atlanta was not new information.

It was to me. To me it wraps it up.

It was to me. To me it wraps it up.

Agreed. I must have overlooked this prior. That takes about 50% of the mystery out of the case, IMO. He wasn't running from anyone.

If he was en route to Atlanta, why were the police in Tennessee so perplexed as to why he was in Knoxville? I believe they said in the segment that they couldn't find any reason for him to be in the Knoxville area.

If he was en route to Atlanta, why were the police in Tennessee so perplexed as to why he was in Knoxville? I believe they said in the segment that they couldn't find any reason for him to be in the Knoxville area.

Is it not en route to Atlanta, no GPS or internet in those days, just a plain old map and choose your route.

If he was en route to Atlanta, why were the police in Tennessee so perplexed as to why he was in Knoxville? I believe they said in the segment that they couldn't find any reason for him to be in the Knoxville area.

Knoxville is on the way south towards Atlanta. He bought a one way ticket to DC and he flew into Dulles Airport before traveling south towards Knoxville. His odd behavior coupled with the fact that he was a Canadian who traveled from Washington state to DC no doubt would have perplexed investigators. But in the context of knowing that the Olympics were only a week or so away, it makes more sense as to why he would be headed in that direction, IMO.

Knoxville is on the way south towards Atlanta. He bought a one way ticket to DC and he flew into Dulles Airport before traveling south towards Knoxville. His odd behavior coupled with the fact that he was a Canadian who traveled from Washington state to DC no doubt would have perplexed investigators. But in the context of knowing that the Olympics were only a week or so away, it makes more sense as to why he would be headed in that direction, IMO.

Yes, everything you said makes sense. I definitely get why the police or anyone else would be baffled about the plane ticket and about everything else he did in the days leading up to his death.

What I was getting at was in the segment, the two Knoxville cops UM interviewed said something to the effect of "he didn't know anyone in Tennessee and had no reason to be in Knoxville that we could find."

My point was that if Blair Adams was just driving to the Olympics in Atlanta, the cops likely wouldn't have been so confused about him being found in Knoxville.

I'm not sure I put much stock in the claim that Blair was travelling to the Olympics in Atlanta. The sole source for this is Blair's mother when she was interviewed in this article (https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/crime/2017/09/11/unsolved-canadian-blair-adams-raced-knox-county-slain-half-nude-his-gold-untouched/610262001/) from 2017, but she apparently never shared this piece of info with the authorities at the time Blair was killed. When the reporter asked her for more information, she abruptly hung up the phone and refused to speak with him again when he called back...

She claimed Adams traveled to the South to attend the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta — information never relayed to authorities.

The games began July 19, eight days after Adams' body was discovered more than 200 miles away in Knox County.

Edwards didn't explain how she knew her son's destination, how he ended up in Knoxville, or why she never told police.

"That was the whole point of his trip," Edwards said before hanging up the phone.

Other calls to Edwards' home were answered by her husband, who grew angry, called chances of solving the case "remote as hell," and said, "We're not going to open that can of worms again."

All that being said, I'm sure the only reason Blair wound up in Knoxville is because he just happened to pull over for gas there and thought he misplaced his rental car key, which led to being him stranded. I have no idea what his ultimate destination was, but he probably just got into an altercation with the wrong person in Knoxville which led to his death.

I'm not sure I put much stock in the claim that Blair was travelling to the Olympics in Atlanta. The sole source for this is Blair's mother when she was interviewed in this article (https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/crime/2017/09/11/unsolved-canadian-blair-adams-raced-knox-county-slain-half-nude-his-gold-untouched/610262001/) from 2017, but she apparently never shared this piece of info with the authorities at the time Blair was killed. When the reporter asked her for more information, she abruptly hung up the phone and refused to speak with him again when he called back...



All that being said, I'm sure the only reason Blair wound up in Knoxville is because he just happened to pull over for gas there and thought he misplaced his rental car key, which led to being him stranded. I have no idea what his ultimate destination was, but he probably just got into an altercation with the wrong person in Knoxville which led to his death.


Interesting article. The paranoid behaviour is consistent with active or recovering alcoholics and/or drug users. The withdrawal can cause all kinds of paranoia, confusion and aggression.

Adams was essentially both. They freak out at anything and can get pretty aggressive.

It's much less of a mystery now. I think he was being completely irrational in his thinking and ended up in a confrontational situation and possibly got run over by some also freaked out pimp.

My sole issue with the prostitution/pimp theory is why did they leave all of his valuables behind? And why were his pants pulled down, and why was shoe placed under his head like a pillow?

The one theory is that while engaged in a sexual act with a prostitute, someone else (presumably a pimp) came out of nowhere to "roll" Blair. But the problem with this theory is that nothing valuable was taken. And it did appear that some of his belongings were rifled through.

The other scenario is that Blair started to get aggressive with a prostitute, which caused the pimp to intervene. I suppose that's plausible, because the lone ear-witness to the case says that he heard a woman's scream at around 3:30 that morning. But Blair was stranded at the motel he checked in (since he "lost" his car key), so he could only realistically go to places within walking distance. The lot where he was found was across a major highway from the hotel he was staying. How exactly would he have picked up a prostitute with no vehicle? And why travel to that location without a car?

I did read an interesting theory over on reddit awhile ago. Blair was suspected of stealing a car prior to coming into the US. The theory was that Blair, in a paranoid state, attempted to steal another car that was occupied, and the occupant got angry and beat him to death before hightailing out of the area. That would explain why no valuables were taken.

My sole issue with the prostitution/pimp theory is why did they leave all of his valuables behind? And why were his pants pulled down, and why was shoe placed under his head like a pillow?

The one theory is that while engaged in a sexual act with a prostitute, someone else (presumably a pimp) came out of nowhere to "roll" Blair. But the problem with this theory is that nothing valuable was taken. And it did appear that some of his belongings were rifled through.

The other scenario is that Blair started to get aggressive with a prostitute, which caused the pimp to intervene. I suppose that's plausible, because the lone ear-witness to the case says that he heard a woman's scream at around 3:30 that morning. But Blair was stranded at the motel he checked in (since he "lost" his car key), so he could only realistically go to places within walking distance. The lot where he was found was across a major highway from the hotel he was staying. How exactly would he have picked up a prostitute with no vehicle? And why travel to that location without a car?

I did read an interesting theory over on reddit awhile ago. Blair was suspected of stealing a car prior to coming into the US. The theory was that Blair, in a paranoid state, attempted to steal another car that was occupied, and the occupant got angry and beat him to death before hightailing out of the area. That would explain why no valuables were taken.

For me what makes the prostitution/pimp theory plausible is the whole notion that the prostitute/pimp didn't set out to purposely rob him - things went south all of a sudden and Blair was killed on a whim, without any thought given to it. They popped him and then, being spooked, they simply cut & ran (without giving any thought to the valuables he had on him).

Like you said though, he was found some distance away, so yeah, without a car, it seems pretty implausible he could arrange a rendezvous (unless that certain area was a known hangout for those kind of characters).

That theory from reddit could be equally plausible too I guess - though it would make one wonder even more just what was going on in his head (to make him go and do that)

I think he attempted to buy drugs from someone and him acting so insane set the dealer off, probably wondering if he was a cop trying to set him up. No witnesses at that moment so just kill him and take off. The guy was obviously going crazy, probably turning schizophrenic over the last few years. The whole trip to random places I don't believe is related to the actual murder in itself other than he was probably acting crazy to whoever killed him and took a severe beating with a bat. I just think in the end it's rather simple.

I think he attempted to buy drugs from someone and him acting so insane set the dealer off, probably wondering if he was a cop trying to set him up. No witnesses at that moment so just kill him and take off. The guy was obviously going crazy, probably turning schizophrenic over the last few years. The whole trip to random places I don't believe is related to the actual murder in itself other than he was probably acting crazy to whoever killed him and took a severe beating with a bat. I just think in the end it's rather simple.

A drug deal gone wrong is also possible, but it wouldn't explain his pants being pulled down, his anus being penetrated, or the fact that none of his valuables were taken from him.

A drug deal gone wrong is also possible, but it wouldn't explain his pants being pulled down, his anus being penetrated, or the fact that none of his valuables were taken from him.

I think it falls into line with he was acting insane. Dropping his pants in front of a dealer on his own. The culprit was enraged and beat him and as he was on the ground the other end of the bat or the club was forced into him basically to humiliate him for having humiliated them. After the attack I think he laid down and HE put his shoe under his head as he lay there because he couldn't walk away. I'm sure he screamed and in a panic the attacker took off without bothering to check what he had on him. I think Blair himself rifled through his clothes and tossed the money around in his agony. Of course I'm not saying this IS what happened, but I've come to learn that what seem to be the biggest mysteries tend to sometimes end up being answered more simply. As in the Wheeler murder. Bob Bean, the Brother, ex wife etc, turned out none of that had any bearing on the actual crime.

I think he attempted to buy drugs from someone and him acting so insane set the dealer off, probably wondering if he was a cop trying to set him up. No witnesses at that moment so just kill him and take off. The guy was obviously going crazy, probably turning schizophrenic over the last few years. The whole trip to random places I don't believe is related to the actual murder in itself other than he was probably acting crazy to whoever killed him and took a severe beating with a bat. I just think in the end it's rather simple.

Another good point here is that he may have been knocked over by someone trying to leave the scene fast, one cop thought his injuries were consistent with a car hitting him. So a hit and run

A drug deal gone wrong is also possible, but it wouldn't explain his pants being pulled down, his anus being penetrated, or the fact that none of his valuables were taken from him.

In above article the cops didn't know when anus injury happened, also people in shock and bleeding can do strange things like take their own pants down or use a sock as a pillow as he did. They feel too hot when in shock.

In above article the cops didn't know when anus injury happened, also people in shock and bleeding can do strange things like take their own pants down or use a sock as a pillow as he did. They feel too hot when in shock.

Cops in the segment said his pants were pulled down in a position to where they believed it was done by someone other than Blair.

Cops in the segment said his pants were pulled down in a position to where they believed it was done by someone other than Blair.
Again, I think they're over-thinking on this one. The guy was no doubt going more insane every day of his life. The weirdest aspects of this case I think are directly the result of that.

Why couldn't Blair have been attacked by a male prostitute?

Why couldn't Blair have been attacked by a male prostitute?
I don't know of anyone making a case that he couldn't have been. Every theory isn't the gospel, but like all the rest, a male prostitute is just as possible as anything.

I know that currency was scattered around Blair's body, but was it ever confirmed that none of the money was missing? Isn't it possible that after killing him, his killer/s rifled through his belongings, took some American currency and saw the Canadian and German currency and then took off? Whoever killed him, if robbery was the motive, would have wanted to leave the area ASAP. Which could explain why the small pack with jewelry was overlooked.

One thing I never got was his Toyota key, how did that key disappear then reappear. I fully believe he was being followed and he was likely killed by someone out to get him, I can’t answer if it had to do with prostitution or some love triangle gone bad

One thing I never got was his Toyota key, how did that key disappear then reappear. I fully believe he was being followed and he was likely killed by someone out to get him, I can’t answer if it had to do with prostitution or some love triangle gone bad

He was traveling to the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, only a 3 hour or so drive from where he was killed. He likely went out looking for drugs or prostitutes and got into an argument.

It's not unheard-of putting a key and a pocket or secret pocket and forgetting it's there.

I think it's kind of mainly been solved.

Totally impractical to follow someone over that distance when they are on and off flights and hiring rental cars etc.

He was traveling to the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, only a 3 hour or so drive from where he was killed. He likely went out looking for drugs or prostitutes and got into an argument.

It's not unheard-of putting a key and a pocket or secret pocket and forgetting it's there.

I think it's kind of mainly been solved.

Totally impractical to follow someone over that distance when they are on and off flights and hiring rental cars etc.
I wouldn’t be shocked if it had to do with that. Though I do think this was planned.

What always got me was how they couldn’t find the Toyota key, the key disappeared then re-appears later.

i think that avid viewers of unsolved mysteries 99% of time can watch these segments, maybe even investigate a little, talk on these forums and then come to some kind of theory, theres that 1% of segments that don't make sense no matter how you look at them. every theory contradicts itself. and this case is one of them.

There are so many things to make you think that blair had a mental ilness, schizophrenia that would make him paranoid, but his paranoia was justified, because he was killed. and not just killed but killed in a way that was more like a hit, he had a relatively big amount of money on him and jewelry, none of which were touched.

The gay angle always seemed logical, especially because of how he was found, but it's said he had a "string of girlfriends" and even booked a flight that he didn't use, to go and see a girl. the drug angel too, could explain his paranoia and why someone was out to get him...but drug dealers would i assume take the money.

what is easy to mistake as schizophrenia could just be someone acting very very irrational due to fear. but a reasonable explaination could be a mixture of both these things. maybe he was schizophrenia and paranoid, taking him on an huge crazy journey. while in knoxville his mental health problems maybe him rub someone the wrong way, a someone who had no problem with killing him.

i think that avid viewers of unsolved mysteries 99% of time can watch these segments, maybe even investigate a little, talk on these forums and then come to some kind of theory, theres that 1% of segments that don't make sense no matter how you look at them. every theory contradicts itself. and this case is one of them.

Agreed. This case ranks right up there with Aieleen Conway in terms of how bizarre it is. Although, unlike Conway, Blair's death is a clear cut case of murder.

https://ptpimg.me/80k17l.jpg

I had never heard about Blair being seen with a man at several restaurants on the night of his death.

There was a composite of a possible suspect on one site I read, though i never knew of this. Reportedly Blair was also involved in a relationship with a male which could be a possible motive now.

Anyone find it pecular he didnt not have any underwear? Did the ,murdered take it for souviner or did he get dressed in hurry sp he coul get out of a bad situation and leave thme behined?

Anyone find it pecular he didnt not have any underwear? Did the ,murdered take it for souviner or did he get dressed in hurry sp he coul get out of a bad situation and leave thme behined?

It's possible he didn't wear underwear.

There was a composite of a possible suspect on one site I read, though i never knew of this. Reportedly Blair was also involved in a relationship with a male which could be a possible motive now.

Blairs mother said on UM "he was sleeping less and less during the summer, he seemed worried, he told me "someone is spreading rumors about me""

That would fit in with him being gay and some ex or someone was hanging it over his head, maybe blackmailing him. but it doesn't really explain his actions and behavour why would that make him travel around north america, booking flights, hiring cars, acting like he did in the reception of the hotel?

He was running away from someone, but if this someone was spreading rumors about him being gay i can't see the logic in this person stalking him and wanting to follow him from canada to the US. why? and the same can be said about drugs, thats another theory, but i can't even imagine some drug dealer catching flights and hiring cars to follow him around 2 countries. and if they did why not take the thousands of dollars he had by his side?

So let's say that his paranoia and his death aren't related, lets say that he was running away from something or someone in canada, lets say drug dealers, lets say rumors about him being gay, or lets even say mental health problems made him do what he did and he was infact gay and in knoxville he hooks with a guy. a guy who kills him....

why would a paranoid man, and you can see how he's acting in the hotel reception go looking for sex or whatever with a stranger? which is putting him in a very vulnerable situation, i can't see him being of the state of mind where that would be something he'd go looking for, i also don't see it as viable that someone was taking flights and hiring cars, stalking him and then killing him.

Nothing makes sense, it's difficult to say it was simply a case of paranoia, because he ended up being murdered, so his paranoia was justified, the question is, is if what made him go on the run was the reason he was killed, or was it unrelated. i tend to think that theres a big chunk of this story missing, if the family and police are not telling us everything, or they are just as in the dark as the rest of us i don't know, but theres maybe 40 or 50% of this story missing. so we really can't come to a conclusion.

The Blair Adams case (S09) is one of the more infamous UM segments, and is approaching it's 25th anniversary this year.

It definitely appears that BA had some kind of a "mental break" in the Summer of 1996, and/or became addicted to some sort of drugs?! (maybe). Prior to his acting oddly that summer, he held down a good job, had family & friends he was in contact with, etc.

However, something obviously happened that started him on a downward spiral. He suddenly quit his job in Canada, withdrew all of his money out of multiple account(s), was acting like people were out to get him & travelled from Canada & all over the U.S. (in many cases back-tracking), without any clear goal/destination in mind. He didn't seem to be in Knoxville, TN for any work-related reason, nor did it appear that he knew anyone there.

He was obviously killed by someone in the parking lot, but who, and why?! Was it some kind of intimate encounter gone wrong, which may partially explain his pants being gone?!

Or, in his frenzy/paranoia - did he attack an innocent bystander in that parking lot - who ended up killing him in self-defense?! But, if that's the case, why was his extensive amount of money scattered around him?! I.e., it's evident that robbery was not a motive (or else the $ would have been taken). So, did the killer and/or Blair himself scatter the money around for some reason?! And, none of this explains the pants situation.

Fairly or not - the lateness/earliness of the hour (3:30am) & the place where the death occurred does add an element of sleaziness to this crime - that wouldn't have been there if this had occurred either much earlier or much later.

No matter what happened here, however - I don't think that whoever killed him was someone he knew prior to going to Knoxville. And, I do not believe that he was being pursued by anyone - I think that was all in his imagination.

Also, sadly it looks like BA's mother (who was interviewed in the segment) recently passed:

I believe this is Blair Adams' mother, Sandra Edwards: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/victoria-bc/sandra-edwards-9973583

What you just said is i guess the most plausable theory, maybe it's the exact same as the Tammy Lynn Leppert case, did he have some really bad reaction after taking drugs that gave him severe paranoia? So he quits his job and tries to escape something that doesn't exist, ending up in america where he just happened to annoy the wrong person who ended up kllling him?

Although it's insane its the most likely theory, i agree you with you i don't believe that the person who killed Blair knew him, It doesn't really make sense for someone to be getting on planes and hiring cars to eventually kill him on the other side of north america.

Fairly or not - the lateness/earliness of the hour (3:30am) & the place where the death occurred does add an element of sleaziness to this crime.


Nothing good ever happens at 3:30AM.

Nothing good ever happens at 3:30AM.

Officially, "nothing good happens past 2AM" as I learned from this Bear Hands song (https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwj4j8uFpu_vAhUVV80KHY7bD-wQtwIwD3oECBsQAw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DWQOzVKkm5c4&usg=AOvVaw2wkEMwdEFmQa8HSvYZsful). :D

I guess the police's theory of a prostitute and her pimp unsuccesfully trying to rob him is possible. But I'm wondering if Blair would even think of getting involved with a prostitute with his paranoid state of mind. And if robbery was the motive, why didn't they take any of the money or his bag? Why would they be in such a hurry if it was planned?

Perhaps Blair had a mental breakdown, started undressing himself and approached a stranger who freaked out and proceeded to beat him up with a baseball bat.

Anyone find it peculiar he didn't not have any underwear? Did the ,murdered take it for souvenir or did he get dressed in hurry so he could get out of a bad situation and leave them behind?

If he was caught while with another person, he probably was running away w/o time to grab his pants, much less his underwear. Just my opinion.

A new article about this case was just published this morning containing a few pieces of info I never knew before:
http://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/crime/2017/09/11/unsolved-canadian-blair-adams-raced-knox-county-slain-half-nude-his-gold-untouched/610262001/

I re-read this article today and there was a wealth of information that has either been overlooked or ignored over the years.

-Blair first tried crossing the border on Sunday July 7th, and was denied entry.

-Blair returned to his mother's home and packed his bags and left Monday morning, July 8th, and this was the last time his mother saw him alive. She claims to have said he was traveling to see the Olympics in Atlanta (which is plausible because they were set to start on July 19th).

-At some point on the 8th, he entered a travel service and bought a round trip flight to Frankfurt, Germany. Then he requested a refund later that same day.

-At dawn on July 9th, he attempted to cross the border on foot, but was detained because he matched the description of an auto theft suspect. He was released back into Canada.

-On July 10th, He abandoned his car at the Vancouver International Airport and rented a car from there. He finally succeeded in getting across the border and abandoned his rental car at the Seattle airport where he purchased is one way ticket to Dulles, VA.

I know he was clearly not of sound mind right before his death, but if he really did intend on seeing the Olympics, why was he abandoning his rental cars? The mysterious key that was reported by Blair at the gas station belonged to the car he rented in Vancouver and ditched in Seattle. Both keys were found with Blair's body. Also of note in that article was how one of the investigators believed Blair was killed:

Davenport believes the sex act could have been committed in a vehicle. When the struggle began, the killer might have hit Adams in the head, thrown him onto the road, and struck him while driving away.

The fatal blow to the stomach could have been caused by the vehicle's front bumper, Davenport believes. (Jones disagrees: He thinks the blow was a kick.)

Davenport's theory would explain Adams' blackened hand.

"He caught the pavement," Davenport said. "If you’ve ever wrecked a motorcycle, how the rocks or pavement will eat you up, one of his hands looked like that."

That would explain why no murder weapon was found or even conclusively linked to a specific instrument. I've always thought it was odd that a blow to his stomach is what killed him, but if he was hit by a car this would make much more sense.

You have a guy who was clearly paranoid and paranoia can make you do irrational things, which could explain his actions.. Like reserving a flight and not getting on it and the whole thing with the car at the gas station....

So the question is, Was his paranoia all in his head? Well he ended up getting murdered, So maybe he was right to be paranoid!

But was the person/people who killed him the ones he was scared of and running away from back in Canada? Or was it a completely unrelated thing?

Because it would be one hell of a coincidence for someone to be paranoid and/or running away from someone or something that wanted to hurt him, just be killed by someone else his first night in a random town in another country...

It's always interested me that whoever killed him didn't take the money and the jewelery.

Having gained a lot more life experience and knowledge (and having spent going on a decade in healthcare now) since I initially saw the segment--clear as day, Blair Adams was acutely mentally ill. Without going into a lot of detail, every single one of his behaviors in this case is extremely similar to things I have seen other people do.

Given the severe nature of his illness and the vulnerability that often places sufferers in, I don't think Blair solicited a prostitute that night. I think it's more likely he was sexually assaulted and killed, possibly because he was a victim of opportunity or because he inadvertently provoked the ire of someone violent or under the influence with his erratic behavior.

I get the feeling--and I could be totally wrong--that Blair's mother also suffers from mental health problems of her own and many are known to run in families. And as an aside, I don't necessarily believe her contention that Blair once had a relationship with a man. And I've definitely never believed the "Olympics" explanation.

Most of the time, the most likely explanation is the simplest:


1. Blair suffered a mental breakdown, possibly due to an undiagnosed bipolar disorder or drug abuse. He got anxious and paranoid.

2. Blair quits his job and decides to distance himself from his imaginary problems.

3. First he decides to fly to Germany. He then thinks he won't be able to make a long flight in his condition.

4. Then he thinks he better go south and cross the border to Seattle.

5. In Seattle, he decided to fly to DC for some reason.

6. In DC, he decided to drive to Atlanta and watch the Olympic Games.

7. He ran out of gas in Tenessee and lost his car keys (maybe putting them in another pocket). He spent the night there.

8. He rented a hotel room but decided to have some fun before sleeping.

9. He ended up having sex with a male prostitute.

10. There was an altercation and the prostitute killed him. He panicked and fled without taking anything from Blair.

I understand the Olympics motive and Blair being gay or bi wasn't mentioned in the broadcasting. Maybe the producers considered it wasn't important to the story.

They would have mentioned if he was gay unless the family specifically requested it not be brought up (think Adam Hecht, I'm sure).

It's a very 2024 notion to apply a gay angle to every damned thing. It got tiresome in a hurry.

It was mentioned in an article years ago that his mother Sandra says that Blair had a boyfriend for a short time and that they were always giggly, which bothered her. Blair was supposedly going to take this man to the Olympics, but then went back to dating women, according to the article.

Having gained a lot more life experience and knowledge (and having spent going on a decade in healthcare now) since I initially saw the segment--clear as day, Blair Adams was acutely mentally ill. Without going into a lot of detail, every single one of his behaviors in this case is extremely similar to things I have seen other people do.

Given the severe nature of his illness and the vulnerability that often places sufferers in, I don't think Blair solicited a prostitute that night. I think it's more likely he was sexually assaulted and killed, possibly because he was a victim of opportunity or because he inadvertently provoked the ire of someone violent or under the influence with his erratic behavior.

Agree with all of this. I have seen erratic people acting like BA on a semi-regular basis.

The reason BA's actions don't make any sense is because they aren't supposed to. He was acting irrationally - which is probably connected to why he came to the U.S. in the first place. He was very possibly going through some kind of "manic episode" & that's why he was in that parking lot so late at night. And, I can easily see BA inadvertently ticking someone off and/or being seen as an "easy target" due to his behavior.

Most of the time, the most likely explanation is the simplest:


1. Blair suffered a mental breakdown, possibly due to an undiagnosed bipolar disorder or drug abuse. He got anxious and paranoid.

2. Blair quits his job and decides to distance himself from his imaginary problems.

3. First he decides to fly to Germany. He then thinks he won't be able to make a long flight in his condition.

4. Then he thinks he better go south and cross the border to Seattle.

5. In Seattle, he decided to fly to DC for some reason.

6. In DC, he decided to drive to Atlanta and watch the Olympic Games.

7. He ran out of gas in Tenessee and lost his car keys (maybe putting them in another pocket). He spent the night there.

8. He rented a hotel room but decided to have some fun before sleeping.

9. He ended up having sex with a male prostitute.

10. There was an altercation and the prostitute killed him. He panicked and fled without taking anything from Blair.

I understand the Olympics motive and Blair being gay or bi wasn't mentioned in the broadcasting. Maybe the producers considered it wasn't important to the story.




The thing is, there more than likely is some truth to at least a couple of your points, but no matter which way you look at it, it really doesn't make sense.

One thing we do know for sure is that Blair was clearly paranoid, but was that down to mental illness or was someone really after him?

Is it too much of a coincidence for Blair to be paranoid that someone is after him, following him, trying to kill him and then he just happened to get murdered in a completely unrelated event?!

In my opinion it's too much of a coincidence. a man so paranoid that he flees his home, reserves a flight, changes his mind and travels to another country ... clearly scared of someone or something just happens to get killed by a random person in a random town?

if he was so worried and paranoid, why go to a motel with a random male escort putting himself in the most vunerable position imaginable?

I'd also assume that the male escort would have taken all of Blairs money and jewellery. yet for some reason left it..

I dunno.... paranoid, running away from an imaginary danger, and he just happens to arrive at some random town, with a random hooker who just happens to fulfill his paranoid delusion that someone was going to kill him..

The thing is, there more than likely is some truth to at least a couple of your points, but no matter which way you look at it, it really doesn't make sense.

One thing we do know for sure is that Blair was clearly paranoid, but was that down to mental illness or was someone really after him?

Is it too much of a coincidence for Blair to be paranoid that someone is after him, following him, trying to kill him and then he just happened to get murdered in a completely unrelated event?!

In my opinion it's too much of a coincidence. a man so paranoid that he flees his home, reserves a flight, changes his mind and travels to another country ... clearly scared of someone or something just happens to get killed by a random person in a random town?

if he was so worried and paranoid, why go to a motel with a random male escort putting himself in the most vunerable position imaginable?

I'd also assume that the male escort would have taken all of Blairs money and jewellery. yet for some reason left it..

I dunno.... paranoid, running away from an imaginary danger, and he just happens to arrive at some random town, with a random hooker who just happens to fulfill his paranoid delusion that someone was going to kill him..

There's this thing out there called a self-fulfilling prophecy.

I have kinda had the opinion.. He didn't pick up a hooker.. He just tried for a hookup with a random guy, perhaps a trucker, at the truck stop.. And.. He picked the wrong guy. Perhaps even someone who didn't intend to kill him.. Just intended to beat him up and.. Things got out of hand.

But.. What doesn't make sense on that is.. Why do it back at the hotel? Seems that would have happened at the truck stop.

I do wonder.. They had a hair from what is believed to be the attacker.. Did anyone do genetic genealogy on that?

There's this thing out there called a self-fulfilling prophecy.

I have kinda had the opinion.. He didn't pick up a hooker.. He just tried for a hookup with a random guy, perhaps a trucker, at the truck stop.. And.. He picked the wrong guy. Perhaps even someone who didn't intend to kill him.. Just intended to beat him up and.. Things got out of hand.

But.. What doesn't make sense on that is.. Why do it back at the hotel? Seems that would have happened at the truck stop.

I do wonder.. They had a hair from what is believed to be the attacker.. Did anyone do genetic genealogy on that?


When it comes to a self fulfilling prophecy it's normally the rock star who says he'll die of a drug overdose when he's already on that path. there are certain paths we can get on it that can only end one way...

For a paranoid man to think someone is after him, trying to kill him...to end up in a random town, let his guard completely down and just happen to try and hook up with the one person who is crazy enough to kill him is a little too much in my opinion.

it's hard for me to believe that someone who was clearly as paranoid as blair was, he would then relax himself enough to want to get laid. thats too bizarre! and i would also guess that if you've just killed someone, why not take his money and jewellery too?

But i also don't believe that if blair was mentally healthy and someone back in canada really did want to kill him, i don't believe that this person would follow him all the way into the US to do it.

So it makes no sense.

When it comes to a self fulfilling prophecy it's normally the rock star who says he'll die of a drug overdose when he's already on that path. there are certain paths we can get on it that can only end one way...

For a paranoid man to think someone is after him, trying to kill him...to end up in a random town, let his guard completely down and just happen to try and hook up with the one person who is crazy enough to kill him is a little too much in my opinion.

it's hard for me to believe that someone who was clearly as paranoid as blair was, he would then relax himself enough to want to get laid. thats too bizarre! and i would also guess that if you've just killed someone, why not take his money and jewellery too?

But i also don't believe that if blair was mentally healthy and someone back in canada really did want to kill him, i don't believe that this person would follow him all the way into the US to do it.

So it makes no sense.

The last part there is the only part likely that everyone can be in total agreement on.

In all honesty.. If it weren't for the evidence that he was beaten.. And I'd actually love another look to be taken at everything to verify ,but.. For now.. I accept the reports that he had been beaten..

If it weren't for that.. I'd lean towards this all being something he did to himself. Pending on the layout of the hotel, jumping off the balcony or something like that.

to me.. You take all the medical evidence of him being beaten out.. And.. "The demons killed him".. Meaning, the voices in his head led to his death by suicide, intentional or not.. makes a WHOLE lot of sense.

But.. That pesky evidence doesn't let us go with that as the solution.

The last part there is the only part likely that everyone can be in total agreement on.

In all honesty.. If it weren't for the evidence that he was beaten.. And I'd actually love another look to be taken at everything to verify ,but.. For now.. I accept the reports that he had been beaten..

If it weren't for that.. I'd lean towards this all being something he did to himself. Pending on the layout of the hotel, jumping off the balcony or something like that.

to me.. You take all the medical evidence of him being beaten out.. And.. "The demons killed him".. Meaning, the voices in his head led to his death by suicide, intentional or not.. makes a WHOLE lot of sense.

But.. That pesky evidence doesn't let us go with that as the solution.



I don't think he killed himself, I mean imaginary or not, he was running from something or somebody right? if you value your life so much that you flee into the US and keep going then it's hard to accept that after running from what he believed to be danger then he'd just kill himself, Blair was in survival mode..

I think an important thing is how seemingly irrational he was and why.. i always thought that he was trying to throw someone off his scent, i mean he reserved a flight to germany which he changed and then didn't get on, his issues with the hire cars...

Did he believe he was being followed by someone and his erratic change of plans were a part of some plan where he thought he was throwing someone off?

We don't have any proof he was either gay or mentally ill.. but he was showing signs of severe paranoia. and he just happens to end up murdered by someone who didn't care about over 4000 dollars, platinum, gold bars and jewellery...

thats so strange.. but yeah! it should be reopened especially the hair, and look for matches.

I always thought Blair was killed by either a random gay prostitute or maybe his gay lover. The fact that his mom brought up his relationship with a male roommate to me makes me definitely feel it was a male lover or prostitute. My guess is his mom didn’t say anything about it because back in those times, it was still hard to openly admit that someone is gay

I always thought Blair was killed by either a random gay prostitute or maybe his gay lover. The fact that his mom brought up his relationship with a male roommate to me makes me definitely feel it was a male lover or prostitute. My guess is his mom didn’t say anything about it because back in those times, it was still hard to openly admit that someone is gay

The only piece of this I don't agree with is the term "gay lover".. That indicates it's someone he's had an ongoing relationship with.. And there's zero indication that he was traveling with anyone.

So.. If you adjust that to a 'hookup'.. I'm on board. I wouldn't classify a hookup and a prostitute as the same thing, either.

The only piece of this I don't agree with is the term "gay lover".. That indicates it's someone he's had an ongoing relationship with.. And there's zero indication that he was traveling with anyone.

So.. If you adjust that to a 'hookup'.. I'm on board. I wouldn't classify a hookup and a prostitute as the same thing, either.
I don’t think he was “traveling with anyone” but more like this. Maybe Blair was in a relationship with a male, but he or his partner wasn’t ready to “come out of the closet” so he was killed for either not being ready to admit or he was going to call his partner out, but that’s the first two scenarios.

My personal opinion is he was going to come out and was afraid to do it openly and then went a bit crazy and then paid for a male prostitute OR had a hook up who then killed him

I don’t think he was “traveling with anyone” but more like this. Maybe Blair was in a relationship with a male, but he or his partner wasn’t ready to “come out of the closet” so he was killed for either not being ready to admit or he was going to call his partner out, but that’s the first two scenarios.

My personal opinion is he was going to come out and was afraid to do it openly and then went a bit crazy and then paid for a male prostitute OR had a hook up who then killed him


his lover follows him all the way from canada into the US, kills him in a random town, all because he didn't want to come out? but it was also a male prostitute who whacked him?

what!!!?

The only piece of this I don't agree with is the term "gay lover".. That indicates it's someone he's had an ongoing relationship with.. And there's zero indication that he was traveling with anyone.

So.. If you adjust that to a 'hookup'.. I'm on board. I wouldn't classify a hookup and a prostitute as the same thing, either.


he wasn't travelling with anyone, blair tried to cross the border and refused for being ALONE and with cash, they thought he was trying to buy drugs, he then goes to some guys house trying to see the car, again alone, he reserves a air ticket for ONE, then hires a car, "loses" the keys, and the guy who went to him, said he was alone...

any theory of him being with another person is just complete fiction....

again the problem with the male prostitute scenario is that we have no proof he was gay and why would someone so paranoid do that?

his lover follows him all the way from canada into the US, kills him in a random town, all because he didn't want to come out? but it was also a male prostitute who whacked him?

what!!!?
It’s called THEORIES!!! Jesus, guess we can’t make a theory to how Blair died!!!!?? And yes that’s my main theory, a male hookup gone wrong!!! Could I be wrong?? Sure, but it’s my THEORY

he then goes to some guys house trying to see the car, again alone

again the problem with the male prostitute scenario is that we have no proof he was gay and why would someone so paranoid do that?
First, that didn’t happen, that was Philip Fraser who’s suspected and likely killer sold his car.
Second, check out this case again online!! Blair’s OWN mom recently said Blair was in a previous relationship with a MALE roommate. That’s why my theory is it’s a hookup with a male gone wrong