Driver found with body in car charged with first-degree murder

PALMER - Murder charges have been filed against a drunk Wasilla man who was found with a body in his car following a July 28 police pursuit.

Frank Adams, 45, faces charges of first- and second-degree murder, manslaughter and tampering with physical evidence for the death of Stacey Johnston, 42, according to an indictment filed Wednesday in Palmer's Third Judicial District Court. Bail is set at $200,000.

Last month, Adams fled police in a red Suzuki hatchback with Johnston's body in it before being forced to a stop at the North Birchwood exit on the Glenn Highway, said Megan Peters, a spokeswoman for Alaska State Troopers, in previous reports.

No one else was in the vehicle and it wasn't registered in his name, said Anchorage Police spokeswoman Anita Shell in previous reports. Johnston's body was discovered during the arrest process.

The condition of her body and cause of death have not been released; however, court records show Johnston died &#8220on or about July 27, 2007, at or near Chickaloon.”

Adams' criminal record includes criminal trespass and violating a protective orders, according to court records. He was charged for assault on June 23.

Johnston and Adams knew each other before July 27. Johnston had filed a protective order against Adams on May 12, according to court records.

Peters said questions about the homicide investigation following Wednesday's indictment need to be answered by the Palmer District Attorney.

The district attorney's office did not return phone calls seeking comment on the charges.

Contact Hannah Guillaume at 352-2284 or hannahguillaume@yahoo.com.