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New information is coming to light about what the sheriff has described as a seemingly random home invasion and murder involving the mother of a rising country music star in rural Virginia. Despite ongoing inquiries, the close-knit community remains baffled, as the suspect showed no apparent signs of potential violence until he suddenly acted.
The Shenandoah Valley is typically known for its rich history and scenic spots—not criminal acts. However, on the night of August 3rd, Kevin Moses Walker, a 41-year-old from Maryland, entered the home of Holly and Michael Hatcher, aged 62 and 65, wielding a knife. The intruder tragically ended the life of Holly, a cherished former teacher, and then fought with Michael. Michael managed to retrieve a firearm from his vehicle, using it to fatally shoot Walker with one shot.
This tragic event occurred at the Hatcher residence, which spans 19.4 acres in Timberville, Virginia. The property is near James Madison University and only a short drive from the well-known Endless Caverns. Intriguingly, Walker had recently visited these caverns, touring the site and reserving a campsite there just before the attack.
“Everybody knows a little bit of everybody over here,” said Mike Stewart, the general manager at Endless Caverns. “Everybody has questions.”
Michael Hatcher, with a visible bandage on his right forearm, discusses the incident with Rockingham County Sheriff Bryan Hutcheson, in a photo derived from video footage. (Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office)
According to Rockingham County Sheriff Bryan Hutcheson, his eldest son was once a student of the victim. He explained that this home invasion was unprecedented in his lengthy career spanning 31 years in law enforcement.
Walker lived in Pikesville, Maryland. Hutcheson said he had no known criminal record.
“Many of you have mentioned that words can’t fully capture this situation, and they truly can’t,” Michael Hatcher expressed in a video shared by the sheriff’s office. “There will always be questions left unanswered,” he continued, while expressing gratitude to law enforcement and the community for their unwavering support. “We’ve shed tears, felt pain, embraced one another, and discovered a level of love previously unknown, both amongst ourselves and with you all. Thank you.”
Public records indicate Walker never owned a home and appears to have lived with family in the Baltimore suburb. Police said the vehicle was registered to him.
“We’d like to know what he came from and what his past was, but we’re just thankful that nothing really happened here (at the caverns),” Stewart said. “We’re grieving for our community and our neighbors.”
Holly Hatcher would have turned 63 on Tuesday. Stewart said the campground’s sign, visible from the family’s home nearby, would be illuminated in pink light in her honor after sundown.
