20/20: What Happened to Holly Bobo? – Fourteen Days
Release Date: June 4, 2025
Host: Debra Roberts, ABC News Senior National Correspondent Eva Pilgrim
Introduction
In this gripping episode of 20/20, titled "What Happened to Holly Bobo?: Fourteen Days," Debra Roberts delves deep into the harrowing true crime case of Holly Bobo. Released over a span of fourteen days, the episode meticulously chronicles the investigation, trial, and aftermath of Holly's tragic disappearance and murder.
Background of the Case
The episode opens in January 2017, with defense attorney Jennifer Thompson preparing for the trial of her client, Zach Adams. The focus is on the chilling confession of Zach's brother, Dylan Adams, which became a pivotal breakthrough for prosecutors. Dylan admitted that the group known as "the A Train" was involved in Holly Bobo's kidnapping, rape, and murder. The main defendants in the case included Zach Adams, Dylan Adams, and Jason Autry, with Shane Austin having died by suicide in 2015.
Key Quote:
Jennifer Thompson [02:06]: "Jason has been talking to prosecutors and that he's going to be testifying against Zach at trial."
The Trial Commences
On September 9, 2017, Zach Adams' trial begins at the Hardin County Courthouse after the jury could not be impaneled in Decatur County due to potential biases from the local community. The courthouse, described as a stately southern building with ornate interiors, sets the stage for the intense proceedings.
Key Quote:
Debra Roberts [04:02]: "The courtroom did not have air conditioning and as it got hotter and hotter, people were sweating and fanning themselves, trying to cool off."
Zach Adams pleads guilty to all charges, a surprising move that sets the tone for the trial. The prosecution, led by Paul Hagerman, delivers an emotional opening statement emphasizing the brutal nature of the crime and outlining the prosecution's case against Zach.
Key Quote:
Paul Hagerman [06:40]: "He took her. He raped her. He killed her."
Prosecution’s Case and Witness Testimonies
The prosecution presents a series of witnesses, including Dana, Karen, and Clint Bobo, Holly's family members. Karen Bobo's emotional testimony about the morning Holly disappeared adds a personal and heartbreaking dimension to the case. However, her testimony is interrupted when she suffers a panic attack, raising concerns about the trial's emotional toll.
Key Quote:
Karen Bobo [13:25]: (Unable to speak clearly) "Is that her lunch?"
Clint Bobo provides a detailed account of the kidnapping, describing the physical appearance and actions of the perpetrator. The prosecution introduces forensic evidence, including the murder weapon, a .32 caliber revolver, and phone data analysis to establish Zach's involvement.
Key Quote:
Jason Autry [22:00]: "Cooking meth I pulled into the driveway, I got out. Dylan was standing in the doorway with his shirt off."
Defense’s Strategy and Cross-Examination
Jennifer Thompson, Zach's defense attorney, counters the prosecution's narrative by highlighting the lack of physical evidence directly linking Zach to the crime. She underscores the exhaustive nature of the investigation, which initially led to multiple suspects, including Terry Britt—a convicted sex offender who was ultimately cleared.
During the cross-examination of Jason Autry, the defense challenges his credibility by pointing out inconsistencies in his statements and suggesting potential motives for his cooperation with prosecutors.
Key Quote:
Jennifer Thompson [26:28]: "You said, no, sir, Right hand before God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. I did not bother that girl in any form or fashion. Didn't you?"
Key Witness: Jason Autry’s Testimony
Jason Autry takes the stand and provides a dramatic and detailed account of the events on the morning of Holly's disappearance. He describes witnessing Zach Adams kill Holly and their subsequent actions to conceal the crime. His testimony is pivotal, painting a vivid picture of the crime and implicating Zach directly.
Key Quote:
Jason Autry [23:06]: "Yes, I was."
Key Quote:
Jason Autry [25:06]: "Boom. The gun sound, gun went off and it sound like boom, boom, boom."
Jury Deliberation and Verdict
After fourteen intense days of testimony, including multiple law enforcement witnesses and forensic experts, the jury deliberates for eleven hours over two days. The verdict is delivered incrementally, culminating in Zach Adams being found guilty of first-degree premeditated murder.
Key Quote:
Siegfried McGinley [35:23]: "You checked guilty of first degree premeditated murder of Pollyanne Bobo. Is that correct, sir?"
Sentencing and Aftermath
Instead of imposing the death penalty, a sentencing agreement is reached, resulting in Zach receiving life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 50 years. Karen Bobo delivers a powerful victim impact statement, expressing the enduring pain and loss experienced by her family.
Key Quote:
Karen Bobo [38:55]: "You chose to take that from her. And you have shown absolutely no remorse for anything that you have done."
Following the trial, Zach's younger brother, Dylan Adams, pleads guilty to facilitating murder and aggravated kidnapping, receiving a 35-year sentence. Jason Autry later pleads guilty to solicitation to commit murder and facilitation of aggravated kidnapping, leading to his release with credit for time served.
Revelations and Continuing Mysteries
In 2024, the case resurfaces when Jason Autry is arrested on federal firearms charges. While awaiting sentencing, he recants his previous testimony, claiming innocence and asserting that Zach Adams did not kill Holly Bobo.
Key Quote:
Jason Autry [42:57]: "That's the worst that I've ever felt in my life coming back knowing that you just lied and put an innocent man in prison."
This shocking development reignites questions about the case, suggesting that the true truth may still be unresolved.
Key Quote:
Zach Adams [43:17]: "Absolutely not."
Conclusion
"What Happened to Holly Bobo?: Fourteen Days" offers a comprehensive and emotionally charged exploration of a complex true crime case. Through meticulous reporting and compelling testimonies, the episode sheds light on the pursuit of justice, the fragility of truth, and the enduring impact of Holly Bobo's tragic loss on her family and the community.
Production Credits
- Host: Eva Pilgrim
- Producers: Camille Peterson, Julia Nutter, Kiara Powell, Norah Hannah, Meg Fierron
- Supervising Producer: Susie Lu
- Music and Mixing: Evan Viola
- Additional Acknowledgments: Liz Alessi, Janice Johnston, Michelle Margulaz, Sean Dooley, Christina Corbin, Kieran McGurl, Andrew Paparella, Emma Pisha
- Director of Podcast Programming: Josh Cohan
- Executive Producer: Laura Mayer
This episode is a production of ABC Audio and is part of the official 20/20 After Show, the True Crime Vault, and ABC's spotlight of true crime originals.