The mother of rising country music star Spencer Hatcher, 62-year-old Holly Hatcher, was fatally stabbed inside her Virginia home during a violent home invasion on Sunday, August 3. The incident occurred in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and involved an armed intruder who was later shot and killed by Holly’s husband, Michael Hatcher, 65.
According to the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect, identified as 41-year-old Kevin Moses Walker, entered the Hatcher residence armed with a large knife and fatally stabbed Holly. Afterward, Walker got into an altercation with Michael outside the house, where Michael was able to retrieve a gun from his vehicle and fatally shoot the intruder in the driveway.
Rockingham County Sheriff Bryan Hutcheson described the incident as “highly unusual” and noted that it appeared to be “completely random.” Both the sheriff and Spencer Hatcher addressed the public in a video statement, emphasizing the shock and grief the family was experiencing.
Spencer Hatcher, who is a rising country music artist, announced on Instagram that he would be canceling three upcoming shows due to “a monumental loss in our family.” He thanked his fans for their support and asked for privacy during this difficult time.
The deputies responded to a 911 call shortly before midnight on August 3. When they arrived at the Hatcher home, they found Michael Hatcher outside with injuries, and Walker was found dead in the driveway. Inside, they discovered Holly’s body with apparent stab wounds.
Investigators believe that Walker had been on a strange and unsettling path leading up to the attack. Authorities revealed that before the home invasion, Walker had purchased a knife and was reportedly sleeping at a Walmart. He was also involved in an incident at the Endless Caverns campsite, where he allegedly broke into a store, causing damage to the building but stealing nothing. Police had been searching for Walker when Michael Hatcher made the 911 call.
In his statement, Sheriff Hutcheson shared his personal connection to the Hatcher family, describing Holly Hatcher as a wonderful teacher who had a lasting influence on many students’ lives.
Despite the ongoing investigation, the Hatcher family continues to process their grief over the loss of Holly, with Michael Hatcher emotionally addressing the media. “We’ve cried, we’ve hurt, and we’ve hugged, and we have found more love than we have ever known has existed between us, and between you,” he said.
As the investigation continues, the community remains shocked by the brutal and random nature of the crime. Authorities are still piecing together Walker’s movements leading up to the attack and are continuing to seek further information.
