New Port Richey, FL: Missing couple found dead, estranged husband in custody

By LISA A. DAVIS | The Tampa Tribune
and JOSH POLTILOVE | The Tampa Tribune

Michael McAdams shot and killed his estranged wife and her boyfriend, then buried their bodies in a remote area of western Hernando County, Pasco County Sheriff Bob White announced tonight.

Lynda McAdams and William "Ryan" Andrews were shot to death Sunday at her Dade City home, White said. The couple was reported missing by family and friends, who believed they wouldn't disappear without notifying loved ones.

Pasco deputies quickly honed in on Michael McAdams, 47, as a suspect. He and Lynda McAdams had been planning to get a divorce after 24 years of marriage, and he had moved from their home on Palomina Drive to Hernando County, authorities say.

Michael McAdams told deputies today that he had fatally shot Andrews and his wife after a confrontation at the Palomina Drive home, White said.

The estranged husband then led detectives to the scene where the bodies were buried, White said. He said Michael McAdams told investigators everything that had happened.

"I understand that he wanted to get it all off his chest," White said.

The sheriff described the area as remote, saying McAdams probably had found it while pursuing his hobby of collecting snakes.

"That's how he knows where those remote areas are,'' White said.

Michael McAdams has been taken into custody.

Investigators say they were unaware of any prior indications of violence between Michael McAdams and his wife.

Asked if Michael McAdams killed the couple out of jealousy, White said, "I think that I could draw that conclusion at this time, perhaps."

There are four crime scenes: the homes of the victims and Michael McAdams, as well as the location in western Hernando.

"We'll wait until daylight to process the scene where the bodies are buried," White said. He said investigators don't want to disturb any evidence working in the dark.

Lynda McAdams, 46, and Andrews, 37, of New Port Richey, worked together at Bic Graphics in St. Petersburg, but hadn't shown up for work or called since last week. That was uncharacteristic for them, according to the company's human resources director.

Clayton Andrews of Largo said he learned of his brother's new relationship when the family gathered at their father's Ocala home over the weekend.

"He told me he was hanging out with this girl and he knew her from work," he said.

The relationship appeared to be perhaps just weeks old and Ryan Andrews seemed happy, his brother said.