Second suspect charged in kidnapping, murder of Holly Bobo
DECATUR COUNTY, Tenn. - The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has announced that more charges have been filed in the case of Holly Bobo, a 20-year-old nursing student who disappeared from her home in Decatur County in April 2011.
A grand jury returned an indictment Tuesday against 39-year-old Jason Wayne Autry of Holladay, Tenn. on charges of aggravated kidnapping and first-degree murder.
TBI Director Mark Gwyn said Autry is a longtime friend of Zachary Adams, the 29-year-old who already faces kidnapping and murder charges in the case. Adams has pleaded not guilty.
"We have sworn statements from witnesses that saw Holly in the presence of Autry and Adams," Gwyn said, adding that authorities have also obtained physical evidence that is being analyzed.
Bobo's body has not been found and the case went cold until Adams was arrested in late February. Authorities have not commented on a possible motive.
Autry is currently serving a three-year sentence for aggravated assault. He is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday on the new charges, Gwyn said.
Also Tuesday, the grand jury issued an additional indictment against Adams for coercion of a witness. The charge stems from a threat Adams allegedly tried to make against his brother, who is also incarcerated, and is a witness in the Bobo case.
The Bobo case remains active and ongoing, District Attorney General Hansel McCadams said Tuesday.
He said authorities believe there are other individuals out there who were possibly involved in the case and/or have information.
"I think this sends a message to them that we will come knocking on their door soon," McCadams said.
"Our work is not done," Gwyn said, adding that he expects more announcements will be made regarding the case in the coming days and weeks.