Zachary Adams Hearing Continues with New Witness Testimonies

HARDIN COUNTY, Tenn. — The ongoing hearing for Zachary Adams resumed Wednesday as it relates to the 2013 Holly Bobo case. Adams returned to court following a previous trial where a co-defendant recanted his statement. The hearing began with both sides presenting new witnesses to support their respective claims.

Joe Walker, a retired investigator with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), testified about his role in the original Holly Bobo investigation. He remarked, “If Zach Adams was not a part of this crime, you would want him out of jail, don’t you?” Defense attorney Doug Bates responded by emphasizing the emotional burden of imprisoning an innocent person.

Bates pressed Walker regarding ATM surveillance, questioning his review of the evidence. “Is today the first time you learned you did not look at the right videos?” Bates asked. Walker affirmed, “Yes sir.” This sparked concern about the adequacy of the original investigation’s evidence collection and analysis.

Prosecutor Amy Weirich questioned Walker about the volume of information collected during the investigation. Walker confirmed the investigation was unique in its amount of data, asserting, “Yes ma’am.” He also noted several inconsistencies in witness statements from the original trial.

Meantime, James Austin, father of Shane Austin, presented evidence regarding a firearm. He testified that Shane possessed a Ruger Security Six handgun, but no .32 revolver, while investigators established that Bobo was murdered with a .22 caliber rifle.

The court hearing will continue Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. with more witnesses expected to take the stand. The outcome may determine whether Adams will receive a new trial regarding the murder of Holly Bobo.