Investigators say Leah Dawn Adams was found dead near a burning vehicle along the Brazos River before a suspect was arrested.
PALO PINTO COUNTY, Texas — Authorities have identified 32-year-old Leah Dawn Adams as the woman found dead near a burning vehicle along the Brazos River, while an arrest affidavit provides new details about evidence investigators say they found during the homicide investigation.
Michael Wayne Hatcher was arrested Aug. 27 and charged with capital murder in connection with Adams’ death, according to the Palo Pinto County Sheriff’s Office. He remained in the Palo Pinto County Jail after his bond was denied. The charge is an allegation, and Hatcher is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The investigation began at about 4:39 a.m. Aug. 27 after the Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting a vehicle on fire at Oaks Crossing on the Brazos River. Deputies and multiple fire departments responded and found the burning vehicle. Adams was found dead a short distance away.
Investigators with the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division responded to the scene and determined that Adams’ death appeared to be a homicide. The Texas Rangers were called to assist. Authorities identified Hatcher as a suspect during the investigation and arrested him later that day.
An arrest affidavit cited by FOX 4 says Hatcher told investigators he met Adams that night while fishing and that the two flirted. He told investigators he later left the area without Adams. Those statements represent Hatcher’s account to investigators and have not been established as fact in court.
The affidavit also says investigators found items belonging to Adams, including a backpack, journal and expired driver’s license, in the bed of a truck parked at the home Hatcher shared with his girlfriend. Investigators also reported finding blood on the truck and on Hatcher’s clothing, according to the affidavit. Authorities have not publicly disclosed forensic test results or explained the full significance of the evidence.
The Sheriff’s Office has not publicly said how Adams died or disclosed a possible motive. Officials also have not provided a complete account of what they believe happened between Adams’ arrival at the river area and the discovery of her body. Those unanswered questions remain part of an active investigation.
The case unfolded as emergency crews elsewhere in Palo Pinto County were responding to the Ross Fire, a major wildfire that had spread across tens of thousands of acres. Sheriff’s officials said wildfire operations created difficult conditions for local agencies, though reporting from WFAA indicated Oaks Crossing was not near the active Ross Fire when Adams was found.
Authorities announced Adams’ identity Sept. 2. Sheriff J.R. Patterson said the Sheriff’s Office was continuing to work with the Texas Rangers and expressed sympathy to Adams’ family and friends. Officials said no additional investigative details would be released at that time.
The Palo Pinto County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Rangers continue to investigate Adams’ death. Authorities have not announced a motive or released further information about the circumstances supporting the capital murder charge beyond details contained in the reported arrest affidavit.
Author note: Last updated September 3, 2026.