St. Louis Major Case Squad Investigations

MCS Report #832

Classification: Homicide

Requesting Agency: Lake St. Louis Police Department

Date of Activation: 04/05/2025

Commander and Department:  Lt. Julie Jackson, St. Charles City PD

Deputy Report Officer and Department: Det. Stephanie Haussels, St. Louis County PD

Deputy Report Officer and Department: Sgt. Brian Adelsberger, St. Charles County PD

Victim: Karen June Cleary

Suspect: Adam Amadeus Christoph

The Lake St. Louis Police Department requested the assistance of the Major Case Squad in investigating the death of Karen Cleary (age 79). At approximately 11:00am, officers responded to the 20 block of Salisbury Court for a well-being check after Karen had not been seen for about two weeks. Inside the residence, they located Karen Cleary on the couch. She had been stabbed multiple times and was pronounced dead on scene.

As a result of this investigation, Karen’s son, Adam Christoph (age 54) was charged with Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action in her death. His bond was set at $500,000.

"Squad Membership is Regarded Not Only as a Honor, but as an Opportunity. It is Police Work at its Purest."

- St. Louis Post-Dispatch Sunday, March 7, 1982

MAJOR CASE SQUAD OF GREATER ST. LOUIS
1700 N Hwy 67
Florissant, Missouri 63031
(314) 831-7000
ST. LOUIS REGIONAL CRIMESTOPPERS
1-866-371-TIPS (8477)Visit Site
The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting multi-agency homicide investigations across the St. Louis region.
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