Palo Pinto County Sheriff identifies woman found dead near burning vehicle
Palo Pinto County woman found dead near Brazos River
Police arrested a man in Palo Pinto County who they say murdered a woman who had just moved to the area. FOX 4's David Sentendrey has more.
PALO PINTO COUNTY, Texas - Authorities have identified a woman found dead near a burning vehicle along the Brazos River last week as 32-year-old Leah Dawn Adams, the Palo Pinto County Sheriff's Office announced.
Palo Pinto County homicide
Leah Dawn Adams, 32-year-old female (Source: Palo Pinto County Sheriff's Office)
What we know:
Deputies responding to a 911 call on Aug. 27 located a vehicle on fire at Oaks Crossing, finding Adams' body a short distance away, Sheriff JR Patterson said in a statement.
Investigators with the sheriff’s office Criminal Investigation Division and the Texas Rangers determined the death was a homicide. Authorities arrested Michael Wayne Hatcher on the same day and charged him with capital murder.
He is being held in the Palo Pinto County Jail and his bond has been denied.
Michael Wayne Hatcher (Source: Palo Pinto County Jail)
The sheriff's office said the investigation remains ongoing in coordination with the Texas Rangers, and no additional details were released.
Dig deeper:
An arrest affidavit states Hatcher told police he met Adams that night while fishing, and claimed the two flirted, but said he left the scene without her.
Adams' backpack, journal, and expired driver's license were found in the bed of a truck parked at Hatcher and his girlfriend's home. Blood was found on the truck and Hatcher's clothing.
What they're saying:
"Our thoughts are with Leah Dawn Adams’ family and friends during this difficult time. The Palo Pinto County Sheriff’s Office will continue working with the Texas Rangers to see that this investigation is completed and justice is served," said officials in a statement.
Adams' family says she had just moved to the area recently, and she did not know Hatcher.
"For what reason would he do something so vicious and evil?" Troy Adams, Leah's father, tells FOX 4's David Sentendrey.
Adams' sister Amber says the spot Leah was found was one of her favorite camping spots.
"Well, this could happen to anyone. If it happened to my daughter, it could happen to anyone."
The Source: Information in this article is from the Palo Pinto County Sheriff's Office and the Palo Pinto County Jail.