top of page
Adam Walsh
Adam John Walsh (November 14, 1974 – July 27, 1981) was abducted from a department store on July 27, 1981 at the Hollywood Mall in Hollywood, Florida. Adam was just six years old. That day Adam was in the store with his mother Revé and she had only been absent for a moment, not thinking anything of it. It's a scary experience to lose a child, but to lose them after just a moment has to be devastating. Once Revé realized that Adam was gone, she searched the area. It was learned that a security guard had chased the children away, but being that Adam was a timid child he probably did not speak up to tell him that his mother was in the store. Investigators believe that Adam followed an older boy out of the store and he was abducted outside.
Despite Adam's parents launching a statewide manhunt just two weeks later Adam's severed head was found on August 10, 1981. His body was never recovered.
Police did not have any clues. In October of 1983 Ottis Ellwood Toole confessed to Adam's abduction and murder while he was incarcerated at Raiford, Florida prison. He also implicated serial killer, Henry Lee Lucas. Eventually, investigators realized that Lucas was in jail at the time of Adam's kidnapping, so he could not have been involved. At this time, Toole admitted to carrying out the killing by himself and police announced that they had found Adam's killer. Toole informed police where he had buried Adam's body, but investigators never found him. Since there was no evidence the state of Florida could not prosecute the case.
Several months later Toole recanted his statement. This happened numerous times over the years - he would confess and then take back his confession. In 1996, Tool died of cirrhosis of the liver and AIDS where he was on death row for another murder.
Years later serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer who lived in Florida at the time of Adam's abduction was thought to be a suspect in Adam's murder. Despite the lack of physical evidence, investigators found that the case against Toole was strong enough to close the murder case of Adam Walsh.
John Walsh (Adam's father) founded the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in 1984. He channeled his grief in a way that helps people all around the world. He also became the host of America's Most Wanted as well as other shows like The Hunt with John Walsh, In Pursuit with John Walsh.
Twenty-five years after Adam's death on July 27, 2006, George W. Bush sign 'The Adam Walsh Children's Protection and Safety Act' which created a national database of convicted sex offenders. It helped strengthen federal penalties for crimes against children. This act also provided funding and training for law enforcement, which helps fight crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children via the Internet.
Another precaution that was set into place was the 'Code Adam'. This was originally created in 1994, by Walmart. It is a safety program for missing children in department stores all around the US and Canada. This program was named in memory of Adam Walsh.
Author's note:
My heart goes out to the Walsh family including Adam's siblings. I cannot imagine losing a child in a this horrific way. The family deserved to get more closure than this - I am very sorry this happened and I hope Adam is at peace. I am a;so very thankful that John Walsh created the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children - Adam's death is a huge part of why this organization means a lot to me. I normally don't give my opinion or share my feelings, but this child's life was cut so short and it is devastating. It always has and always will. I cannot express how much my heart hurts. Thoughts and prayers to his family and anyone that knew Adam.
Rest in peace Adam. Always thinking of you ❤
Below you can donate for children like Adam, so we can all support missing children.
bottom of page