Young Gina Tenney’s corpse was discovered floating in the Ohio’s Mahoning River in December 1985, shortly before New Year’s Eve. More about her and the case can be found in the article below.
In December 1985, the life of Gina Tenney tragically came to an end when her body was discovered in the Mahoning River.
The case surrounding her murder and rape captivated the community, with suspicions initially falling on a man named Bennie Adams.
Despite the lack of conclusive forensic evidence at the time, the persistence of detectives and advancements in DNA technology would ultimately bring justice to Gina’s memory.
After nearly two decades, Adams was convicted in 2008, finally shedding light on the dark events that forever changed the lives of those involved.
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Gina Tenney Wikipedia Bio – Who Was She?
Gina Tenney, a remarkable student at Youngstown State University, left an indelible mark on our campus before her untimely passing in 1985.
Known for her dedication and exemplary academic record, Gina’s contributions to the university community were genuinely outstanding.
While at Youngstown State University, Gina actively participated in various aspects of campus life.
As a member of our esteemed Student Government Association, she held the prestigious position of Vice-President of the Student Council.
Gina’s commitment to serving her fellow students was evident through her role as a student assistant in the Students Serving Students program, where she tirelessly offered her support and assistance.
Furthermore, Gina’s passion for the arts shone brightly as she took on multiple roles in the University Theater’s 1985 season.
She contributed as a customer and displayed her talent as an assistant director, showcasing her creativity and dedication to the performing arts.
The Gina Tenney Memorial Scholarship Fund is a testament to Gina’s exceptional character and commitment to academic excellence and community service.
Through this scholarship, deserving students can continue to pursue their education, following in Gina’s footsteps of dedication, passion, and a desire to impact the world positively.
Although Gina’s life was tragically cut short, her legacy lives on through the lives she touched and the scholarship that bears her name.
Youngstown State University will forever remember Gina Tenney as one of its brightest stars, whose impact inspires and uplifts the university community.
Gina Tenney Case Details And Update
In a tragic turn of events, Gina Tenney’s life came to a devastating end when her lifeless body was discovered floating along the Mahoning River around December 30, 1985.
It was a muskrat trapper who stumbled upon Gina’s body while examining his traps, forever changing the course of the investigation.
A mere two weeks after the discovery, the coroner determined that Gina had died due to asphyxiation.
Ligature marks were visible around her neck and wrists, while her torso exhibited numerous contusions.
Shockingly, Gina had even suffered a broken ankle as a result of the heinous crime committed against her.
Early on, local authorities honed in on a suspect, Bennie Adams. Their suspicions arose from Adams’ relationship with a girl in the apartment below Gina’s.
While forensic testing during that time was not as advanced, Adams, 28 years old, was found to have Gina’s debit card. Additionally, Gina’s car keys were discovered in his trash can.
Unfortunately, the forensic evidence available did not definitively link Adams to Gina’s murder or rape.
However, investigators did uncover a crucial piece of evidence—an oven mitt mate from Adams’ girlfriend’s apartment was found in Gina’s residence.
Furthermore, Adams had a television believed to have come from Gina’s upstairs apartment.
As advancements in forensic technology emerged, the Ohio Attorney General’s office launched a program enabling law enforcement agencies to resubmit cold cases for further DNA testing.
Detectives on Gina’s case diligently kept tabs on Adams throughout the years, and they wasted no time in taking advantage of this program to explore his potential involvement in her murder and rape.
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In 2004, Adams, then a registered sex offender fresh out of prison after serving 18 years for the kidnapping, rape, and robbery of a school principal in 1985, provided DNA samples.
The samples were swiftly tested and confirmed to be a positive match for the DNA found on Gina’s clothing and body.
Gina’s rape kit had been preserved for nearly two decades, awaiting the day when it could undergo official testing.
Finally, in October 2008, Bennie Adams was convicted of the heinous crimes of murdering and raping Gina Tenney.
In 2023, Bennie was granted a new hearing on whether his jurors were biased.
