Holly Bobo trial: Given without parole plus 50 years for Adams

SAVANNAH, Tenn. — The state has agreed to sentence Zach Adams to life without parole plus 50 years in the death, rape and abduction of Holly Bobo.

It was an agreement made between Adams' defense attorneys and the prosecution Saturday morning before a jury was expected to decide whether to give Adams the death penalty.

Shortly before 5 p.m. Friday, the jury returned eight guilty verdicts — two for felony first-degree murder, one for first-degree premeditated murder, three for aggravated rape and two for especially aggravated kidnapping.

But six and half years since the 20-year-old Bobo disappeared from her family home in Darden, Tenn. on April 13, 2011, Karen Bobo's mother said the family chose to take a route that would allow them to find closure and begin the journey to find joy again.

Prosecutor Jennifer Nichols called  Karen Bobo to the stand to give her final words to the jury in a victim impact statement.

"First of all, I would like for you all to know this decision had absolutely nothing to do with that animal," Karen Bobo said, pointing over to Adams. "It had to do with the future of our family."

Karen Bobo talked about her daughter as a young woman who loved life and serving others and who took joy in the beauty of the world.

"She was the sweetest soul I have ever known in my life," Karen Bobo said. "A sweetness and kindness that many people can’t imagine. I can see the love."

Finally, Karen Bobo looked at Adams and demanded that he look her in the eyes.

"I know that my daughter fought and fought hard for her life," she said. "And I know that she begged for her life because my daughter loved and enjoyed her life, but you chose to take that from her and you have shown absolutely no remorse for anything that you have done."

Karen Bobo said she saw her husband Dana Bobo smile again for the first time Friday after hearing the verdict and she hopes it is a sign of what is to come.

Nichols also spoke to the media about the marathon investigation that spanned over six years and ended essentially in the testimony of one co-defendant, Jason Autry, being put against the testimony a former lead investigator for the very agency working to prosecute Adams.

Former Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Terry Dicus testified that he believed convicted sex offender Terry Britt, not Adams, was the rightful suspect.

Also, Nichols and Assistant District Attorney Paul Hagerman said they faced mountains of evidence when they took on the case.

"As astounding as all those things are, the jury prevailed," Nichols said. "Yes, it was pretty astonishing, but in the end, truth dominated all of that."

Adams, who pleaded not guilty, was the first of three men to go to trial in the kidnapping, rape and killing of Bobo. Also charged are Autry and Adams' brother John Dylan Adams. Autry was offered immunity to testify.

Nichols said a status hearing will be held in November to determine trial dates for Autry and Dylan Adams.

Reporter Jordan Buie can be reached 615-726-5970 or by email at jbuie@tennessean.com. Follow him on Twitter @jordanbuie.