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Prosecutors could seek the death penalty against the man accused of kidnapping and murdering missing nursing student Holly Bobo.
In a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director Mark Gwyn announced a specially called Decatur County grand jury had issued a true bill and indicted Zachary Rye Adams, 29, on charges of especially aggravated kidnapping and first-degree murder.
Holly Bobo, 20, was last seen at her Darden, Tenn. home on Swan Johnson Road the morning of April 13, 2011. Her brother, Clint, says he saw a man in camouflage lead her into the woods.
“This has obviously weighed heavily on this community’s mind and the family for three years,” said Todd McCall, who is the special agent in charge of FBI’s Memphis division. “Just because of the announcement today [Wednesday] does not mean that we are finished … Law enforcement will continue its efforts.”
He continued, “Thousands upon thousands of law enforcement man hours have been dedicated to this investigation. We are dedicated to ensuring justice is done.”
Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted a search at the home of Zachary Adams on Friday, February 28. The TBI said they received credible information, which led to obtaining search warrants.
During the investigation, Decatur County authorities arrested him on assault charges.
TBI blocked access to Adams Lane and several marked cars were in the front yard of the home, where Adams lives with his grandfather. The home is 14 miles north of Bobo’s hometown, Darden.
Neighbors say investigators searched his property—described as heavily wooded with at least one well—on Adams Lane in the past in connection to the disappearance of Bobo. At least four vehicles were towed from the property during Friday’s search.
Adams has a record. He bonded out on a drug charge in another county a few days before Friday’s arrest.
As of Wednesday evening, the 29-year-old is being held at Chester County Jail without bond. He will be arraigned on the charges Tuesday.
Prosecutors could seek the death penalty against Adams.
“Without a corporative effort with all agencies, this day would not have been possible. I’m thankful and appreciative for our volunteers in our county that has [sic] searched so hard, worked so hard, that has supported our department,” said Decatur County Sheriff Roy Wyatt . “This is the first step that we have … is finding closure maybe to this tragedy that just happened in our county.”
According to a news release from the TBI, the possibility of additional suspects in this case exists. The motive and circumstances surrounding Holly’s disappearance are still being investigated.
“We are confident that, as the public understands, we’re moving forward, that they will come forward with the information they have,” said Director Mark Gwyn. “We hope this will lead us to additional information.”
Agencies/Canadajournal
