Dixon Murder Suspect confesses to committing the crime - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Convicted Killer reveals motive

By: Christine Souders

csouders@cbs4qc.com

After three years of silence, Lee County Investigators say they finally have a confession and a motive behind the death of a 35 year old Dixon Woman. In a press conference held on Wednesday by lead investigators informed members of media about the latest developments.

Police say after hours and days of interrogation, a now 54-year-old Byron Adams confessed to brutally murdering Margaret Atherton in her home just over 3 years ago.

September 11th, 2009, workers at the Dollar Tree Store found Atherton's purse and ID in a dumpster behind the building, and called police. But when officers tried to return Atherton's belongings, they found her suffocated to death in her home on West 1st Street.

A tip from community members led police to Byron Adams and two days later he was arrested in Chicago. 

Investigators say in Tuesday's murder trial, their prime suspect was convicted of three counts of first degree murder, but it's what happened shortly after the trial that caught police off guard.

"When the jury was released and the judge stepped off the bench, they went into a room nearby and spoke with Mr. Adams... he was short on money and didn't have gas to get back to Chicago, and he worked as a paperboy in that area and was familiar with the 800 block of west 1st Street, which is where Margaret lived. He felt like if he put a gun to her face that she would comply and give him what he wanted," said Chief of Dixon Police Danny Langloss.

Adams is facing anywhere from 20 to 60 years in prison, and will be sentenced in November.