What Happened to Holly Bobo?

Episode: Fourteen Days
Host: Eva Pilgrim, ABC News
Release Date: June 3, 2025

Introduction to the Case

Nearly fifteen years ago, Holly Bobo, a young nursing student, vanished from her rural Tennessee home, sparking one of the state's most significant and enduring criminal investigations. The case took a dramatic turn when Holly's remains were discovered a few years later, not far from where she had disappeared. As the investigation unfolded, it became entangled in a complex web of legal battles and questionable testimonies, particularly involving key witness Jason Autry. This episode, titled "Fourteen Days," delves deep into the courtroom drama that defined the case and examines lingering questions about Holly's tragic fate.

Preparing for Trial

In January 2017, defense attorney Jennifer Thompson was meticulously preparing for the trial of her client, Zach Adams, who faced charges of kidnapping, rape, and first-degree murder of Holly Bobo. The defense grappled with a significant development: [00:30] Thompson revisited "hundreds of pages" in the case files, particularly focusing on a confession from Zach’s brother, Dylan Adams. This confession implicated Zach and others in Holly's abduction and murder.

Jennifer Thompson (00:30):
"Jason has been talking to prosecutors and that he's gonna be testifying against Zach at trial."

Jason Autry's sudden change of testimony after six years of denial posed a substantial challenge for the defense. Thompson had only eight months to reassess her strategy in light of Autry's new allegations.

Jennifer Thompson (02:35):
"I needed more time to prepare in this case. I never felt that I was ready. And especially after Jason Autry had changed his whole story."

The Trial Begins

On September 9, 2017, the trial of Zach Adams commenced in Hardin County's courthouse, moving from Decatur County to ensure jury impartiality due to the case's high profile.

Judge C. Creed McGinley (03:45):
"Hardin County, Tennessee, is now in session pursuant to adjournment, the Honorable C. Creed McGinley presiding."

The courtroom, described as a "stately southern building" with ornate wood paneling and chandeliers, became the stage for a prolonged legal battle. Zach Adams, appearing noticeably changed with added weight and graying hair, entered the courtroom in a suit lent by Jennifer Thompson.

Zach Adams (04:25):
"Not guilty of all charges."

Opening Statements

Prosecution's Approach

Prosecutor Paul Hagerman delivered a compelling and repetitive opening statement to underscore the severity of the charges against Zach Adams.

Paul Hagerman (06:22):
"He took her. He raped her. He killed her. He discarded. He covered it up. He bragged about it. And he almost got away with it."

Hagerman emphasized the brutality of the crime and outlined the progression of the investigation, mentioning early leads and focusing on the four main suspects: Zach Adams, Dylan Adams, Shane Austin, and Jason Autry.

Defense's Strategy

Jennifer Thompson countered by highlighting the exhaustive nature of the investigation and the lack of physical evidence linking Zach to the crime.

Jennifer Thompson (09:36):
"They had nothing. They had a great big goose egg. They paid all this money, and they had absolutely nothing to show for it."

She detailed the extensive searches of Zach's and his grandfather Dick Adams' homes, noting the absence of DNA, fingerprints, or any forensic evidence tying Zach to Holly's disappearance and murder.

Jennifer Thompson (11:59):
"All the evidence will show that Zach Adams is not guilty."

Prosecution's Case

Testimonies from the Bobo Family

The prosecution called Dana, Karen, and Clint Bobo to the stand. Karen Bobo's emotional testimony about the morning Holly disappeared was particularly poignant.

Karen Bobo (12:44):
"Yes, ma'am."

During her examination, Karen struggled to maintain composure, ultimately suffering a panic attack that momentarily halted proceedings.

Judge McGinley (13:40):
"Let's let jury go ahead and file out."

Jason Autry's Testimony

Jason Autry's testimony was a pivotal moment in the trial. Describing the events of April 13, 2011, Autry claimed to witness Holly's kidnapping and subsequent murder.

Jason Autry (22:13):
"I need you to help me bury this body."

He detailed how Zach Adams allegedly directed him to bury Holly under a bridge, leading to her tragic death.

Jason Autry (24:24):
"And I have lots of remorse over that."
"At that time, I walked to the front of the truck. I told Zach, I said, 'She's still alive.'"

Autry's vivid recounting captivated the courtroom but faced intense scrutiny during cross-examination by Jennifer Thompson, who questioned his credibility and consistency.

Jennifer Thompson (26:40):
"You said, no, sir, right hand before God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. I did not bother that girl in no form or no fashion. Didn't you?"

Defense's Challenge

Thompson meticulously dismantled Autry's testimony by highlighting discrepancies and potential motives for his false statements. She emphasized that Autry was seeking leniency in his own sentencing, casting doubt on his reliability.

Jennifer Thompson (27:43):
"Are you familiar with the fact that if you testify in a beneficial way to the state that they could make a request that your federal sentence be reduced?"

Autry maintained that his testimony was genuine, despite his admission of remorse over his involvement.

Jason Autry (28:27):
"I have immunity with the federal government. Other than that, there's no deal, plain and simple."

Additional Evidence and Witnesses

The prosecution presented various pieces of evidence, including a .32 caliber revolver purportedly linked to Zach Adams' associate Shane Austin. Both the prosecution and defense introduced cell phone experts to debate the mobility data, with conflicting interpretations regarding Zach's whereabouts during Holly's disappearance.

Prosecution Expert (30:56):
"It's possible Holly and Zach Adams' phones were in the same general locations later that morning."

Defense Expert (30:57):
"I disagree."

Additionally, convicted sex offender Terry Britt testified, vehemently denying involvement and expressing hostility towards the investigation.

Terry Britt (31:28):
"No, I didn't. I didn't know a girl. Never seen her in my life, that I know of."

The Verdict

After a grueling fourteen-day trial filled with emotional testimonies and intricate legal maneuvers, the jury deliberated for eleven hours over two days before reaching a unanimous verdict.

Judge McGinley (35:17):
"You checked guilty of first degree premeditated murder of Pollyanne Bobo. Is that correct, sir?"

Zach Adams was found guilty on all charges. Subsequently, instead of a death sentence, a plea agreement was reached granting him life imprisonment without parole plus an additional 50 years.

Jennifer Thompson (36:58):
"We just cannot help but be just heartbrokenly disappointed in the verdict in this case."

Sentencing and Aftermath

Before sentencing, Karen Bobo delivered a heartfelt victim impact statement, expressing her enduring grief and the family's struggle to find joy after Holly's loss.

Karen Bobo (39:02):
"Every day since this has happened, have we not woken up with Holly being the first thing on our mind when we wake up and the last thing on our mind when we go to sleep."

In the years following the trial, additional legal proceedings involved Zach's younger brother, Dylan Adams, who entered an Alford plea and received a 35-year sentence. Jason Autry eventually pleaded guilty to solicitation to commit murder and facilitation of aggravated kidnapping, leading to his release with credit for time served.

Renewed Scrutiny and Unanswered Questions

In 2024, the case resurfaced when Jason Autry, shortly after his release, was arrested on federal firearms charges. While awaiting sentencing, Autry altered his testimony once more, reigniting debates about the integrity of his earlier statements and the true circumstances surrounding Holly Bobo's death.

Jason Autry (43:09):
"Absolutely not."

This development left the Bobo family and the community grappling with lingering doubts about the case's closure and provided a haunting reminder of the unresolved questions that still surround Holly Bobo's untimely death.

Conclusion

The Holly Bobo case remains a deeply emotional and complex story within Tennessee's history, marked by courtroom drama, shifting testimonies, and enduring questions about justice and truth. "Fourteen Days" offers a comprehensive exploration of the trial that sought to bring closure to a family haunted by loss while highlighting the intricate dynamics of the legal system in high-profile cases.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Jennifer Thompson (00:30):
  "Jason has been talking to prosecutors and that he's gonna be testifying against Zach at trial."

• Paul Hagerman (06:22):
  "He took her. He raped her. He killed her. He discarded. He covered it up. He bragged about it. And he almost got away with it."

• Karen Bobo (12:44):
  "Yes, ma'am."

• Jason Autry (22:13):
  "I need you to help me bury this body."

• Jennifer Thompson (26:40):
  "You said, no, sir, right hand before God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. I did not bother that girl in no form or no fashion. Didn't you?"

• Jennifer Thompson (27:43):
  "Are you familiar with the fact that if you testify in a beneficial way to the state that they could make a request that your federal sentence be reduced?"

• Judge McGinley (35:17):
  "You checked guilty of first degree premeditated murder of Pollyanne Bobo. Is that correct, sir?"

• Karen Bobo (39:02):
  "Every day since this has happened, have we not woken up with Holly being the first thing on our mind when we wake up and the last thing on our mind when we go to sleep."

This detailed summary encapsulates the critical elements of the "Fourteen Days" episode, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and non-listeners alike.