As of 2 p.m. March 5, a grand jury in Decatur County handed down a two-count indictment for especially aggravated kidnapping and first degree murder to Zachary Adams in the Holly Bobo case.
The facts and evidence of the case were presented to the grand jury behind closed doors.
Bobo was a UTM Nursing student at the Parsons center.
Adams, whose bond was originally set on Monday at $1 million, is currently being held without bond at Chester County Jail in Henderson.
“I don’t want to say at that time he was a suspect, but we gave evidence to the judge. We felt that was an appropriate bond,” said TBI Director Mark Gwyn
TBI says the investigation into the kidnapping and murder of Bobo will continue and more details may become available.
“This case will be evaluated by my office as a death penalty eligible case. The evaluation process will review the nature of the crime, the criminal history of the defendant, the aggravating factors and the mitigating factors,” said District Attorney General of the 24th Judicial District Hansel McCadams.
The FBI has been involved in the case from the beginning and says it will continue in the efforts of the case.
“Just because of the announcement today does not mean we are finished,” said Todd Mccall, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Memphis Division.
A historic number of man hours and resources have been dedicated in the search of Holly Bobo.
“Without a cooperative effort from all agencies, this day would not be possible,” said the Decatur County Sheriff’s office.
The TBI says there are still many factors which must be accounted for.
“This investigation has been ongoing for a long time– three years. A lot of evidence has been collected. … In the last week, I guess you can say we put a full-court press on the information we have gathered. As one bit of information leads to the second bit of information, we decided to start conducting searches and interviews, which has brought us to today,” Gwyn said.
Gwyn said that at this time he cannot make a comment on where Bobo may be, or whether any remains have been found.
“This is an on-going investigation. If evidence and facts lead to more indictments and arrests, that is what will happen,” Gwyn said.
The indictments have been based on the allegations that proof of kidnapping are available.
“The grounds for the especially aggravated kidnapping is based upon the allegation we believe we can prove she was taken forcefully from her home, without her consent. We also feel she was killed in perpetration of the kidnapping,” McCadams said.
The TBI says they are confident that more information is be available from members of the community, and they hope that as the case continues anyone with information will come forward.
Gwyn said he believes the reward money was not the driving force behind where the investigation is today. Gwyn said at this time he cannot discuss the possibility of a serial case in connection with a Centerville, Tenn. woman.
The TBI said that the details of the case cannot be fully discussed at this time because they have worked “too hard to mess it up.”
Gwyn said though he has not spoken directly to the Bobo family, he knows they are devastated.
Members of the community say that they are thankful to finally have some answers.
“This is a good start that we are finally starting to see some results. It is good that it is finally coming to an end. I’m glad the TBI has come to some conclusions. I know there are still questions left, and I just pray there will be quick answers to those questions and justice will be served,” said Tara Pratt, a member of the Decatur County community. “We are going to remain together and remain supportive.”
Because the investigation is still underway, the TBI is requesting that any information be directed to them by email at tipstotbi@tn.gov or by phone at 1-800-TBI-FIND (1-800-824-3463.)
Adams’ arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday, March 11 at 1 p.m.
