HARDIN COUNTY, Tenn. — A plea deal could be in the works for Dylan Adams, one of the suspects accused of kidnapping, raping and murdering Holly Bobo, 20, over six years ago in Decatur County.
His brother, Zach Adams, was convicted of the crimes by a jury in September and then sentenced to life in prison without parole plus 50 years after both sides reached an agreement.
Now the judge overseeing the case is trying to speed the process up for Dylan Adams’ case by encouraging both sides to work out a plea deal.
Bobo’s loved ones said they’re ready for complete justice, especially as they take on the holidays without her.
“It’s difficult, but we’re making progress in the case, so that’s very encouraging,” said the family’s Pastor Don Franks.
The case is over six years old and Adams’ indictment is over three years old.
“I don’t know if you can tell how serious I am, but you better bet on it,” said Judge C. Creed McGinley. “Many of you have heard the expression ‘the doomsday clock,’ which perhaps we’re close to the end of time if we don’t start paying attention to our environment and other concerns. Some say it’s at 11:59; I’m here to tell you folks on this case it’s 11:59.”
Adams’ trial is scheduled for the end of May, but Judge McGinley said he thinks both sides know what they’d be willing to agree to.
“I want the parties to enter into fruitful negotiations,” he said. “I’m not asking anybody to compromise their legitimate positions.”
The judge gave both sides about four hours to sit down and try to work out a plea agreement on Thursday. They came back without a deal but said they’re making substantial progress.
They now have until Monday to reach a plea deal. If they don’t, Adams will go to trial like his brother did.
The death penalty has been taken off the table for his case, so if convicted, he could face up to 51 years in prison.
A third defendant, Jason Autry, is also charged in this case. He received immunity for testifying against Zach Adams and will be tried after Dylan Adams’ case is completed.
WREG will stream Monday’s hearing live on our Facebook page beginning at 10 a.m.
