Cold Case Files:: Midnight at Ultimate Fitness- The unsolved murder of Danick Adams

In the sweltering Arkansas summer of 2008, 18-year-old Danick Adams was chasing dreams bigger than her hometown roots. A young mother with two jobs and plans to earn her GED, Danick hoped to become a teacher or psychologist. But in the early hours of August 15, her life was stolen in a senseless act of violence that remains unsolved to this day.

Danick’s day began like many others. She dropped off her two-year-old daughter with her ex-boyfriend, grabbed lunch with a friend, and later called her mother around 10:30 p.m. to say she was with a girl named Princess. The two planned to visit Ultimate Fitness--owned by Danick’s grandfather--to use the tanning beds and do their makeup.

But just after midnight, as they exited the gym, a masked gunman approached. According to Princess, he demanded their phones and money. Danick refused. The man then pulled off his mask, revealing his face, and shot Danick five times before fleeing in her white Cadillac.

Hours later, Danick’s car was spotted circling the crime scene. Police pursued the vehicle, but the driver escaped on foot. A female passenger remained behind, claiming she had just met the man. She cooperated with police and was not named a suspect.

Danick’s phone was later found in the possession of a man who said he bought it for five dollars. Investigators believe the killer quickly discarded it to avoid detection.

From the beginning, Princess’ account raised eyebrows. Why would a killer reveal his face and leave a witness? Why wear a ski mask in the stifling Arkansas heat? Detective Cynthia Harbour of the Jacksonville Police Department told Dateline that she believes Princess knows more than she’s shared.

Danick’s mother, Amy Adams, has also expressed doubts. She found it suspicious that her daughter—who rarely tanned—would visit the gym so late at night. She wonders if Danick was lured there under false pretenses.

Though the crime appeared to be a robbery, police now believe Danick was targeted. Her ex-boyfriend was cleared, and no clear motive has emerged. But the inconsistencies in Princess’ story and the strange behavior of the suspect suggest a deeper conspiracy.

Detectives have not ruled out the possibility that more than one person was involved. As one officer put it, “It’s hard to believe someone would wait in the woods in a ski mask hoping a random person would show up at 2 a.m. to work out.”

More than a decade later, Danick’s case remains open. Her mother keeps a binder of memories and writes letters to her daughter, hoping that one day, someone will come forward.

A $5,000 reward is still offered for information leading to an arrest and anyone with information is urged to contact the Jacksonville Police Department at (501) 982-3191

Danick’s daughter, now grown, lives with the legacy of a mother taken too soon. And a community still waits for justice.