Tennessean guilty in 2011 rape, murder

SAVANNAH, Tenn. — A Tennessee man was convicted Friday of kidnapping, raping and murdering a 20-year-old nursing student who disappeared from her home six years ago.

Zachary Adams was found guilty after an 11-day trial in Savannah. He had pleaded innocent to the charges. Holly Bobo was 20 when she was reported missing from her home in rural Parsons on April 13, 2011.

Bobo’s disappearance led to a search, and her case received national attention. Her remains were found in September 2014 in woods not far from her home in Decatur County, about 100 miles southwest of Nashville.

Adams showed no reaction when the verdict was read. Defense attorney Jennifer Thompson patted Adams on the shoulder and spoke into his ear shortly after the verdict was read.

After the jury was let out of the courtroom, Bobo’s mother, Karen, hugged prosecutor Jennifer Nichols, and Bobo’s father, Dana, hugged Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director Mark Gwyn.

A sentencing hearing will begin today. The murder charge can carry the death penalty.

Thompson, the defense attorney, said she was extremely disappointed in the verdict, and she said Adams was very upset. “He was really shaking his head. He was white as a ghost.”

Judge C. Creed McGinley moved the trial from Decatur County to neighboring Hardin County in search of an unbiased jury. The jury deliberated 3½ hours Thursday and all day Friday before reaching a verdict.

Two other men, Jason Autry and Adams’ brother John Dylan Adams, also face charges of kidnapping, raping and killing Bobo.

Autry testified against Adams, telling jurors that Adams told him that he, his brother and their friend Shayne Austin had raped Bobo. Autry also said he served as a lookout as Adams shot Bobo near a river on the day she was reported missing.

Autry was on a list of witnesses who were offered immunity in the case. He said he testified because he wanted leniency.

Autry’s lawyer has told the judge that a trial does not need to be set for Autry, indicating he has reached a deal with prosecutors.