Day 4: Tensions run high as retired TBI agent is questioned in Adams hearing

JACKSON, Tenn. — Day four of the Adams post-conviction hearing brought intense moments in the courtroom.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Day 3: Witness testimonies continue in Adams hearing

Defense Attorney Doug Bates took the morning questioning retired TBI Special Agent Brent Booth, a key investigator on the Holly Bobo case.

“At the time, there was no probable cause,” said Booth.

“No, my question was clear as whether you saw the video before 2017. I said, ‘There never was probable cause?’ You said ‘Yes.’ You saw me get the document. You know what’s coming. The search warrant where you told Judge McGinley there was probable cause Terry Britt committed the crime, correct?” asked Bates.

“Yeah,” responded Booth.

Bates challenged the credibility of TBI’s findings.

“Aren’t we supposed to, all of us in this system, taxpayers, defense lawyers, prosecutors, courts, defendants, victim’s families, aren’t we supposed to trust the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation?” asked Bates.

Several witnesses altered their statements during the investigation. As such, Adams’ attorney wanted to prove that investigators did not do their due diligence to determine who was reliable and who was not.

“Jason told the story how it happened, and that story is totally inconsistent with Sheila Kilzer,” said Booth.

“It’s inconsistent with what she said this day. Alright, well tell me who’s telling the truth then,” asked Bates.

“I don’t know,” Booth responded.

Bates suggested witnesses could have been guided during questioning. Tensions continued to rise as the TBI agent was questioned about the lack of physical evidence supporting the rape.

“Do you know of any physical evidence that corroborates all of these stories that Zach Adams committed this crime?” Bates asked.

“What physical evidence?” Booth responded.

“Precisely,” said Bates.

Retired agent Booth also testified that he doesn’t believe Jason Autry raped Bobo, but supports his conclusion that Adams did.

Thursday was the final day for the Adams hearing this week. The court will schedule a time to resume in late 2025 or early 2026.

If you would like to hear more on the prosecution’s cross-examination of agent Booth, tune into our 10 p.m. show for the full story.

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