The mother of a rising country music star was killed inside her home in Virginia by an armed intruder. Her husband then shot and killed the attacker, police said.
Holly Hatcher, 62, died during a violent home invasion in Harrisonburg on Sunday, August 3, according to the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office.
The suspect, 41-year-old Kevin Moses Walker, was shot and killed by Holly’s husband, Michael Hatcher, 65, in the driveway.
The sheriff called the incident “highly unusual” and said it seemed completely random. He made the statement along with Holly’s son, Spencer Hatcher, who is a country music artist, and Michael Hatcher.
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Spencer posted on Instagram that because of the family’s “monumental loss,” he is canceling three upcoming shows. He asked fans to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.
Police responded to a 911 call just before midnight on August 3. When they arrived, Michael was outside with injuries on his body, and the attacker was found dead in the driveway. Inside the house, Holly was found dead with stab wounds.
Authorities said Walker entered the home with a large knife and stabbed Holly before fighting with Michael. The fight continued outside, where Michael got a gun from his car and shot Walker once.
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Before the attack, Walker had bought a knife and was sleeping at a Walmart. He also broke into a store at the Endless Caverns campsite where he was staying. The store was damaged but nothing was stolen.
Police were still looking for Walker when Michael called 911. The investigation is ongoing.
The sheriff said he knew the Hatcher family for years and that Holly was a teacher to his oldest son. He praised the positive impact she had on her students.
The Hatcher family is still struggling to cope with the attack that took Holly’s life.
Michael said in a video statement, “There will be questions that won’t be answered. We have cried and hurt, but we’ve also found more love between us and with you than we ever knew.”
