Story perspectives

Shocking Murders: Kidnapping, Family Tragedy, and Life Sentences

8/28/2025

25 6

Center

Kidnapping and Murders

Mary Elizabeth Isbell, 37, was allegedly kidnapped and murdered by Loretta Kay Carr and her daughter Jessie Kelly in Alabama; her body was found in June 2023, two years after her disappearance.
Jessie Kelly pleaded guilty to murder and will testify against Carr, who faces capital murder charges.
Apapale Adoum, 39, admitted to murdering Victoria Adams, 37, in London after she offered him shelter; he used a mallet in the attack and faces a life sentence.
In New Hampshire, Emily Long, 34, shot her husband and two children before committing suicide, reportedly due to stress from her husband's brain cancer diagnosis.

Right

Adoum Murders Adams

Victoria Adams, 37, was murdered by Apapale Adoum, 39, a homeless man she invited into her home in Hammersmith, London.
Adoum pleaded guilty to the murder, which involved multiple blows to Adams' head with a mallet.
Neighbors reported hearing screams, and police discovered Adams with a garbage bag over her head.
Adoum had a prior history of violent crimes against women.

1 of 2

Kidnapping and Murders

Mary Elizabeth Isbell, 37, was allegedly kidnapped and murdered by Loretta Kay Carr and her daughter Jessie Kelly in Alabama; her body was found in June 2023, two years after her disappearance.
Jessie Kelly pleaded guilty to murder and will testify against Carr, who faces capital murder charges.
Apapale Adoum, 39, admitted to murdering Victoria Adams, 37, in London after she offered him shelter; he used a mallet in the attack and faces a life sentence.
In New Hampshire, Emily Long, 34, shot her husband and two children before committing suicide, reportedly due to stress from her husband's brain cancer diagnosis.

1 / 2