Man Seeks New Trial in Holly Bobo Murder Case, Citing Recanted Testimony
A Tennessee man convicted of the murder of Holly Bobo is continuing his fight for a new trial, focusing on recanted testimony from a key witness. Zach Adams was found guilty in 2014 of the abduction, rape, and murder of Bobo, but his legal team argues the conviction was based on unreliable evidence.
The core of Adams’ appeal rests on the shifting statements of Jason Autry,who initially testified against Adams. According to supporters of adams, including Bobo’s former boyfriend, Clint McLendon, Autry’s testimony was crucial to securing the conviction. McLendon stated that without Autry’s original testimony,a conviction would have been unlikely,and suggested this represents onyl a fraction of the issues with the case.
However, Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Nichols maintains that Adams’ petition for a new trial lacks sufficient support. She has emphasized the need for sworn affidavits and characterized Autry’s now-recanted testimony as “looked upon with distrust.” Nichols previously asserted that Adams would have been convicted even without autry’s statements, citing what she described as Adams’ own incriminating admissions related to Bobo’s death.
previous attempts to introduce Autry’s recantation as evidence have been unsuccessful. Last year, a judge dismissed Adams’ initial petition, finding that Autry had not provided a credible alibi for adams or identified another potential suspect. The judge stated the new statements did not create “serious or substantial doubt” regarding Adams’ guilt.
Earlier this year,a court ruled a video of Autry recanting his testimony inadmissible. Adams appealed this decision, but the Tennessee Court of Appeals declined to hear the case. Hearings have resumed this month, with the case scheduled to continue in November.
Autry’s attorney has not commented on the situation. Representatives for Adams’ legal team and the Hardin County District Attorney’s office have not yet responded to requests for comment.
McLendon expressed concern that the initial trial was influenced by community pressure for a resolution in the high-profile case and that the defense was hampered in presenting all available evidence. He hopes Adams’ conviction will be overturned and that investigators will refocus their efforts on finding Bobo’s true killer.
The associated Press contributed to this report.
