Continuing Investigation Fuels Optimism for Closure in Wix Family
ROBERTSON COUNTY: (Smokey Barn News) – After reports surfaced of new search areas identified for Jennifer and Adriana Wix, who went missing in 2004, Smokey Barn News contacted the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and the Robertson County Sheriff’s Office. Though neither agency would confirm, the family reached out to Smokey Barn News, expressing optimism that recent developments may lead to the long-awaited closure they’ve sought for many years.
“We are aware that the Robertson County Sheriff’s Office and Tennessee Bureau of Investigation are actively looking into locations given for Jennifer and Adrianna’s remains,” the Wix family said in a statement Tuesday. “This is the first time in 20 years we’ve been given a lead of this nature, not just a general statement of hearsay.
“While we’ve felt this was the case for many years, we’re anxiously waiting and watching from the sidelines as law enforcement investigates these leads. We’re involved, in communication with law enforcement, and hopeful for closure. Thank you for all the support, now and over the years.”
Our response from the Robertson County Sheriff and the TBI:
SHERIFF: “It’s an open investigation. We continue to follow up on any leads.” Robertson County Sheriff
TBI: “As with any ongoing investigation, agents involved in the Jennifer and Adrianna Wix case continue to pursue any leads and tips they get as they come in. That may include searches on occasion, as part of this continued police work. Investigators also continue to review and revisit information that has already been gathered. If anyone has information related to the disappearance Jennifer and Adrianna Wix, they are encouraged to contact the Robertson County Sheriff’s Office, or TBI, at 1-800-TBI-FIND, or through [emailprotected].”
Brief: The case of Jennifer and Adrianna Wix began when the mother and daughter were reported missing by Jennifer’s mother on March 27, 2004. Jennifer, 21, and Adrianna, 2, were last seen at their home in the Owens Chapel community, Springfield, TN. Investigations led to searches of the property where they lived with Jennifer’s boyfriend, though no conclusive evidence was discovered. Despite extensive efforts, including annual events to keep their memory alive and the case in the public eye, the whereabouts of Jennifer and Adrianna remain unknown and no suspect has ever been named.
FULL HISTORY…..
Search Continues for Wix Girls, Experts Release Age Progression Photo
ROBERTSON COUNTY TENNESSEE: (Smokey Barn News) – After 18 years missing and a reclassification of murder in 2013, what happened to Jennifer & Adrianna Wix is still a mystery. Officials are now releasing an age-progression photo of Adrianna Wix. The hope is that, if Adrianna is out there somewhere, an age progression photo will jar something loose and bring the girls home.
Along with the release of Adrianna’s age progression photo, the annual Chain of Hope event was held yesterday at Kilgore Park in Cross Plains TN as the family works to keep the memory of the girls alive. Scroll below for Info and photos from the event.
Here she is, Adrianna Wix at 20… Below Adrianna’s photo, we have added information about the case from our coverage over the years.
VIDEO: It’s Official, It’s Murder, Wix Case Reclassified
Kathy Nale,Jennifer Wix’s mother has believed all along that her daughter and granddaughter were murdered. Now the police agree.
INVESTIGATORS TO MAKE NEW PUSH AS CASE IS RECLASSIFIED
With the 10th anniversary of the unexplained disappearance of a mother and her young child rapidly approaching along with new information and the case being reclassified as a homicide, the Robertson County Sheriff’s Office today is making a renewed appeal to the Middle Tennessee community for information that will help provide answers in a case that has strong implications of foul play.
Jennifer Wix, 21, and her daughter, Adrianna Wix, 2, were reportedmissing by Jennifer’s mother on March 27, 2004. The investigation led deputies to the RobertsonCounty home of Jennifer’s boyfriend, Joey Benton, where Jennifer and Adrianna had been living withBenton in an out building on the property.
Joey Benton claimed that on the evening of March 25, 2004,Jennifer asked him to take her to a grocery store in Cross Plains to use the phone. Benton said he did so,and then dropped mother and daughter off at a local Exxon. Benton said he pulled across the street andwatched as a white four-door car pulled up and Jennifer and Adrianna got inside. Benton also claimedthat on March 26, 2004, Jennifer showed up back at his property, collected her belongings and said thatshe needed some time away.
Despite countless hours of investigation and numerous interviews over thepast nine years by Robertson County deputies and other law enforcement agencies, Benton’s assertionsof taking Jennifer and Adrianna to the grocery store, the Exxon and then seeing Jennifer on the followingday were never independently corroborated. The last person known to have spoken to Jennifer was herfather, Michael, who, phone records confirm, talked with her at approximately 11 a.m. on March 25,2004. Michael Wix, who resides in Manchester, told detectives that his daughter spoke of arguing withJoey Benton’s family and that she looked forward to seeing him in Manchester on the following Sunday.Michael Wix has not heard from Jennifer since.
In the months that followed Jennifer and Adrianna’sdisappearance, the Benton property in Robertson County has been searched on four separate occasions.A pond on the land was even drained and searched. Although the Robertson County Sheriff’s Officesince the early days of the investigation has treated it as a homicide case, it has now finally beenofficially reclassified as a homicide case from a missing person case. No one, including Joey Benton, hasbeen eliminated as having potential involvement in the disappearance of Jennifer and Adrianna Wix.
As Season to Remember services in memory of homicide victims are held throughout the country at this special time of year, the Robertson County Sheriff’s Office is absolutely committed to not letting Jennifer and Adrianna Wix be forgotten,” Sheriff Bill Holt said. “I strongly believe that there are persons in this community who know what happened to Jennifer and Adrianna, but who have been reluctant to come forward for one reason or another. We today strongly encourage our citizens to help us provide answers and closure to the family, and, as circ*mstances warrant, justice to these two young persons who chose to live in our area.”
Sheriff Holt saida special tip line has been set up so anyone withinformation can directly contact an investigator working on the case at the Robertson County Sheriff’sOffice by calling(615) 478~5763. Anyone with information may remain anonymous, and may also submitinformation via the Crime Tips section of our website at http://www.robertsonsheriff.com/crime-tips/.
There is a reward of $17,000 being offered to anyone with information leading to the arrest andconviction of the individual(s) responsible.
April 2013:See VideoReport of Chain Of Hope Ride In
Hundreds Show For Jennifer and Adrianna Wix Chain Of Hope Ride. Kathy Nale, Jennifer’s mother and Adrianna’s grandmother was shocked at just how many people showed up fortheirannual Chain Of Hope Ride at the Springfield Walmart.
Reported On August 28, 2013 White House, Tenn. –Bench Honoring Missing Jennifer and Adrianna Wix Placed At White House High School
This past Sunday family, friends and several supporters in the search for Jennifer and Adrianna Wix gathered at White House High School in White House, TN to dedicate a beautiful bench in Jennifer’s honor at the school for her 31st birthday. Jennifer was just barely 21 when she and Adrianna disappeared and each year family and friends do something to celebrate their special days.
“I have thought of doing this for years now, but was hesitant, this year I decided that it was time and I believe that Jennifer would love it.She is with me everyday wherever I am in my heart but especially when I am on the grounds of her high school where I know and remember her spending some of the best years of her life, that is why I chose there to place the bench.” said,Adrianna’s motherKathy Nale,
Family and friends also went to Owens Chapel Rd inSpringfield, and installed solar lights ontheir “missing” sign. This location is where they were last seen. Now their beautiful faces can be seen 24 hours a day in the area to remind the community that these girls still aren’t home.
Kathy Nale (Mom) also tells Smokey that, “Jennifer loved horses and that is why she chose to have the bench made with a horse on it. She was also a determined young lady and never a quitter, so a message from Jennifer was placed on the bench to anyone who may sit there……..Never, Never, Never Give Up. My hope is that anyone of the young people at the school who are struggling in their lives will “hear” Jennifer’s message when they rest on her bench.”
Jim Ball reporting
MARCH 26, 2022 EVENT
On March 26, 2022, from 11 am-3 pm, Jennifer and Adrianna Wix’s family held an event for the missing girls at Kilgore Park in Cross Plains TN. SEE PHOTOS BELOW
“Many thanks to everyone who came out yesterday to help us remember Jennifer and Adrianna and who continue to stand by our side as we fight this battle for JUSTICE for my girls…..I am forever grateful for your support and love through the years. It was so good to see some folks who haven’t been before or haven’t in years join our fight!
My dear late husband, Larry Nale created the Chain of Hope out of love and always done a fantastic job making sure that a good time was had by all….He was there in spirit standing right beside me the whole day…..I miss your support Larry and you were right years ago when you told me that it had to be a party to get people’s attention and get them involved in our search for answers…..I believe you now.
My daughter is fighting with everything that she has in her to bring justice for her sister and niece and she needs to be lifted in prayer and support, I believe that she will prevail and that justice will be served soon! Our family will NOT give up till we bring Justice for Jennifer and Adrianna!” Kathy Casey Nale
Jennifer and Adrianna disappeared 18 years ago this month. With foul play suspected, the case was reclassified as homicide in 2013.VIEW PRESS CONFERENCEThey were last seen by Jennifer’s boyfriend and his parents at their home in the Owens Chapel community, Springfield Tn.
The family has drafted a flyer (SEE FLYER BELOW) to gain traction and NEW information for the case, and they believe that someone could have a small bit of information to help piece the case together.
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