Spencer Hatcher has spoken publicly for the first time since his mother, Holly Hatcher, was killed during a home invasion in Harrisonburg, Virginia. In an Instagram video posted Sept. 9, the rising country star thanked fans for the love and support he has received during what he described as the worst time of their lives. He said his mother was the biggest fan and supporter in everything he did and that, after talking with his label, he decided to continue making music and performing for audiences.
The Aug. 3 incident at the Hatcher home occurred just before midnight. Holly Hatcher, 62, died at the scene; Michael Hatcher, 65, was wounded but retrieved a handgun from his car and fatally shot the intruder, Kevin Moses Walker, 41. Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office described the attack as highly unusual and completely random. Investigators also noted that Walker had bought a sleeping bag and a knife at Walmart two days before the assault and had rented a campsite at Endless Caverns in New Market, about 20 miles north of the home.
A day after the attack, felony warrants were issued for Walker after police found Endless Caverns broken into and Walker's car abandoned. The case culminated when Michael Hatcher phoned authorities, prompting a welfare check that led to Walker's discovery dead in the driveway. Authorities said Michael acted in self-defense to stop the intruder, and the couple survived their injuries.
Hatcher has said the death of his mother, who taught in rural Virginia for nearly 20 years, weighed on his decision to return to the road. He told followers that his mother would want him to continue making music and that the public support has helped him move forward. He noted that his touring schedule before the incident had been busy, with shows lined up and plans to launch a radio tour.
He said he hopes to resume the touring circuit, with nearly a dozen performances booked through the end of the year, and to continue promoting new music as he navigates the tragedy. The singer's comments come as investigators continue to examine the circumstances of the home invasion, which they described as highly unusual and random, and which left Holly Hatcher dead and Michael Hatcher injured.
