Spencer Hatcher publicly addressed fans in an Instagram video posted Sept. 9, weeks after his mother, Holly Hatcher, was killed during a home invasion in Harrisonburg, Va. He described the period as the worst time of their lives and thanked supporters for their love and prayers. He said he intends to continue making music and performing on stage, noting that his mother was his biggest fan and supporter.
The attack occurred just before midnight on Aug. 3 at the Hatcher home in Harrisonburg. Holly Hatcher, 62, died after being stabbed; Michael Hatcher, 65, was wounded but retrieved a handgun and fatally shot the intruder, Kevin Moses Walker, 41, in the driveway. The Rockingham County Sheriff described the assault as highly unusual and apparently random, noting Walker had no known history of violent behavior. Investigators said Walker bought a sleeping bag and a knife at Walmart two days before the attack and had rented a campsite at Endless Caverns in New Market, Va., about 20 miles north of the home. Police issued felony warrants for Walker the following day after Endless Caverns was broken into and his car was found abandoned; he was not located until the home invasion occurred and was later found dead in the driveway.
Holly Hatcher taught in rural Virginia for nearly 20 years. Her death has been a deeply felt loss for the community and for Spencer, a rising country artist known for the song Drink You Gone. Hatcher said he plans to return to touring and to promote new music, aiming to resume the robust schedule he had before the tragedy, including plans for a radio tour and multiple shows through year end.
In the Sept. 9 video, Hatcher thanked fans for the outpouring of support and said he would keep moving forward, guided by the love his mother showed to him and to his career. He noted that his touring plan would adapt, but the core goal remained to get back on the road and continue performing for audiences who have supported him.
Tour calendars on Hatcher's site show almost a dozen performances booked through December. He said he intends to return to the radio circuit and arena shows that had been lined up, with the aim of bringing his latest music to fans while honoring his mother's memory.
