Man convicted of murdering Holly Bobo seeks new trial

SAVANNAH, Tenn. — A hearing was held in the case of the State of Tennessee v. Zachary Adams, who was convicted of killing Holly Bobo.

The hearing Friday regarded a post conviction matter, filed by Adams, concerning the trial that convicted him to a life sentence, plus 50 years for the kidnapping, rape, and murder of Holly Bobo in 2011.

Adams is seeking a new trial based on what he alleges to be new evidence.

His attorney spoke on two main claims for the newly discovered evidence.

One of those being Jason Autry changing his story and a potential new testimony of alleged witness, Lisa Caroll.

This prompted the State to file a motion to dismiss Adams’ petition that could grant him a new trial.

They began with this opening statement

“And why we believe the law does not apply or he cannot satisfy the requirements of that writ and at the end of our argument we’ll ask that you dismiss his petition of writ of error coram nobis without an evidentiary hearing,” said Jennifer Nichols, district attorney general.

They say the requirement and basis of the two petitions filed by Adams has to be new evidence discovered after the verdict and that the evidence has to be in affidavit form.

Adams’ attorney, Douglas Bates spoke on behalf of Adams as he was not present, and was not required to attend the hearing.

“I want to talk briefly about this affidavit. There are a host of cases that don’t require an evidentiary hearing is granted without an affidavit,” said Bates.

Douglas also says the states best evidence must be supported by an affidavit and refers to key witness Jason Autry’s recorded statement to a neuropsychologist saying he made up the story that ultimately convicted Adams.

The hearing concluded with no official ruling and a future court date has not been set at this time.

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