Maryland Man Killed After Deadly Home Invasion in Rockingham County, Virginia
Rockingham County, VA – August 11, 2025 – A Pikesville, Maryland man is dead following a violent home invasion in Rockingham County, Virginia, that left a local schoolteacher dead and her husband injured. Kevin Moses Walker,41,was fatally shot by Michael Hatcher during the attack on August 3rd,authorities confirmed today. The incident follows a prior break-in at a nearby tourist attraction just days before.
The sequence of events began on August 1st, when Rockingham County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a reported break-in at the Luray Caverns gift shop, located at 101 cave Hill Rd, Luray, VA. Investigators steadfast a vehicle had been intentionally driven into the building, causing meaningful damage. Entry was gained into the caverns themselves, but no items were reported stolen.
Based on the investigation, authorities quickly identified Walker as a person of interest. A felony warrant for his arrest was issued, and state troopers initiated a search utilizing both ground patrols and drone technology.
The following day, August 2nd, at approximately 11:45 AM, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from Michael Hatcher reporting a home invasion at his residence on a property located off of US route 33 West, near Elkton, Virginia.
Upon arrival, deputies found Michael Hatcher standing outside the home, suffering from injuries. Walker was discovered deceased on the driveway, having been shot by Hatcher. Inside the residence, Holly Hatcher, 38, a beloved teacher at page County High School, was found with fatal stab wounds. Emergency medical services pronounced her dead at the scene.Sheriff Tony Light, who has served the county for 31 years, described the murder as unprecedented in his career. he noted Holly Hatcher was a well-respected educator who had previously taught his own son, adding a deeply personal dimension to the tragedy.
“I’ve been in law enforcement for 31 years and I have never seen anything like this in my entire career,” Sheriff Light stated.
Spencer Hatcher, son of Michael and Holly Hatcher, addressed the community alongside the sheriff, emphasizing the family’s desire to focus on established facts and avoid speculation. In a prepared statement,Michael Hatcher expressed the family’s grief and the overwhelming support they have received. “there’s going to be questions that will never be answered, but all I can tell you is we’ve cried, we’ve hurt, and we’ve hugged, and we have found more love than we have ever known has existed between us, and between you,” he said.
While no criminal charges will be filed in connection with walker’s death, the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Department confirmed an ongoing investigation to fully understand the events leading up to the home invasion and the initial break-in at Luray Caverns. Authorities are currently reviewing surveillance footage from the caverns and surrounding businesses, and also conducting forensic analysis of the vehicle used in the ramming incident.
Evergreen Context: Luray Caverns & Rockingham County
luray Caverns, established in 1878, is a popular tourist destination in the Shenandoah Valley, attracting over 500,000 visitors annually. The caverns are renowned for their stunning stalactites and stalagmites, and are a significant economic driver for Rockingham County. The county, with a population of approximately 80,000, is largely rural and agricultural, with a growing tourism sector. Violent crime is relatively rare in the area, making this incident notably shocking to the community. Page County High School,where Holly Hatcher taught english,serves approximately 850 students.
