A late-night home invasion in Virginia’s historic Shenandoah Valley turned deadly when a knife-wielding intruder stabbed 62-year-old Holly Hatcher to death before her husband, Michael Hatcher, 65, fought back, retrieved a handgun, and fatally shot the attacker.
The incident happened just after midnight on Sunday, Aug. 3, at the family’s home. Their son, Spencer Hatcher — a rising country music artist signed with Stone Country Records — has canceled upcoming performances as the family mourns.
Sheriff: “Never Seen Anything Like This”
“This is 31 years in law enforcement for me, I have never seen anything like this in my entire career,” Rockingham County Sheriff Bryan Hutcheson said in a statement.
The suspect was identified as Kevin Moses Walker, 41, of Pikesville, Maryland. Authorities say Walker had no prior violent criminal history. Two days before the attack, he crashed his car near Endless Caverns, rented a campsite, toured the caves, and purchased a sleeping bag and large knife from Walmart.
The Attack
Walker entered the Hatchers’ home armed with the knife in what authorities are calling a “highly unusual” and “seemingly random” crime. Inside, he fatally stabbed Holly before engaging in a violent struggle with Michael Hatcher, who sustained visible wounds to his arm.
The fight spilled into the driveway, where Michael retrieved a loaded pistol from his vehicle and fired one fatal shot at Walker. A motive remains unclear.
Remembering Holly Hatcher
Hutcheson, who knew the family personally, praised Holly as a beloved former teacher. “My oldest son had Holly as a teacher in school, absolutely loved her,” he said. Rockingham County Public Schools released a statement remembering her 19-year career in education.
Michael Hatcher expressed gratitude for the outpouring of community support. “We’ve cried, we’ve hurt, we’ve hugged, and we have found more love than we have ever known,” he said.
Son Cancels Tour Dates
Spencer Hatcher, whose style has been compared to a young George Strait, announced he was canceling at least three shows, including appearances at the VOA Country Music Fest in Ohio and the Rockingham County Fair. “I appreciate everyone that has lent their support to me and my loved ones,” he told fans on Instagram.
