SAVANNAH, Tenn. (Court TV) — Zachary Adams’ former lead defense attorney told a Hardin County judge Friday that she does not believe she provided competent representation at his 2017 trial, describing herself as overwhelmed, isolated, and facing a judge and prosecution team she believed were openly hostile to her defense.

Zach Adams testifies in his hearing for a new trial on Nov. 20, 2025. (Court TV)

Adams was convicted of kidnapping, raping and killing 20-year-old nursing student Holly Bobo , who vanished from her Decatur County, Tennessee, home on April 13, 2011. Her remains were discovered in 2014, and Adams was later sentenced to life without parole plus 50 years. His brother, Dylan Adams, and co-defendant Jason Autry accepted plea deals.

MORE | Zach Adams denies killing Holly

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