DECATURVILLE, Tenn. — Zachary Adams entered a plea of not guilty at his arraignment this afternoon and continues to be held without bond on charges in the abduction and killing of Holly Bobo.
Judge C. Creed McGinley said during the arraignment that he wants to keep the case moving at a speed that is fair to both sides.
He set the next court date for April 9, which will be a status hearing to begin pre-trial motions and set a schedule for the case.
Adams, who wore a bullet-proof vest during the hearing, spoke only to confirm his name and that he understands the nature of the charges against him.
Attorney Jennifer Lynn Thompson represented Adams at the arraignment. It will be determined by the April 9 hearing whether she will continue to be his attorney.
Holly Bobo's family was present for the arraignment but did not speak in court. Her mother, Karen Bobo, started crying toward the end of the hearing, and son Clint Bobo rubbed her shoulder. Holly's father Dana also was present in court.
A Decatur County grand jury indicted Adams, 29, of Holladay, last week on charges of especially aggravated kidnapping and first-degree felony murder.
Bobo, a 20-year-old nursing student, was abducted the morning of April 13, 2011, from outside her home in Darden. Her brother told investigators he saw a man wearing camouflage walking her into the woods.
Investigators said last week that they believe Adams killed Bobo in the perpetration of the kidnapping. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has not said if Bobo's body has been found.
Investigators have said it's possible additional suspects could be charged.
The district attorney general has said he will consider asking for the death penalty if Adams is convicted.
The TBI and other agencies searched Adams' property on Adams Lane in north Decatur County for several days prior to the indictment. During a court appearance on March 3 on an unrelated charge of aggravated assault, Adams appeared to deny involvement in Bobo's kidnapping, telling a Jackson Sun reporter, "I'm not the (expletive) one."
