A grieving family gathered at the water’s edge to honor 32-year-old Leah Adams just days after her funeral, releasing flowers into one of her favorite spots along the Brazos River following her violent death in Palo Pinto County last month.
Deputies were dispatched to Oaks Crossing on the Brazos River shortly before 5 a.m. on August 27 after receiving a report of a vehicle fire. Upon arrival, they discovered a burning truck and Adams’ body a short distance away, partially submerged in the river with severe trauma to her face.
The investigation unfolded amid the chaos of the Ross Fire, which was tearing through Palo Pinto County at the time and created significant challenges for investigators working the scene.
A search warrant affidavit revealed that Adams’ brother used the Find My app to provide investigators with the last known location of his sister’s phone. That location led detectives to a home in the area of North Swanson Road in Mineral Wells where a suspect identified as Hatcher was staying.
During questioning by a Texas Ranger, Hatcher said he had been fishing at Oaks Crossing the night before and encountered Adams there. He claimed the two spent time together before he left after midnight and returned before sunrise, stating he did not see Adams or her vehicle when he came back.
Investigators noted what appeared to be a blood transfer stain on Hatcher’s jeans. A search of a pickup truck at the Mineral Wells home turned up a backpack containing Adams’ personal journal and a small blood drop in the passenger seat that tested presumptively positive for blood.
Hatcher was arrested later that same night and charged with capital murder. He remains held in the Palo Pinto County Jail without bond.
Adams had recently relocated to Mineral Wells and was known for her love of the outdoors. Her father Troy Adams described her as someone who enjoyed kayaking, playing guitar, writing in her journal and searching for rocks and arrowheads near the water.
“She was happy being herself” Troy Adams said. “She just liked the peacefulness of the water.”
Troy Adams made clear he wants the person responsible to face the harshest punishment the law allows. “She deserved life and he viciously took her” he said. “I’m looking forward to the trial.”
The family said they are focused on moving forward together while honoring Leah’s memory. “We’re putting our best foot forward for Leah” her father said.
