As a massive wildfire burned through Palo Pinto County last month, sheriff’s deputies responding to a vehicle fire made another troubling discovery: a woman found dead a short distance away. The Palo Pinto County Sheriff’s Office has now identified the woman as 32-year-old Leah Adams. Her fam ily gathered Saturday following her funeral to remember her life and release flowers into the water at one of her favorite places. Deputies were called to Oaks Crossing on the Brazos River at about 4:39 a.m. on Aug. 27 for a report of a vehicle on fire, according to the sheriff’s office. When they arrived, deputies found the burning vehicle and Adams’ body a short distance away. The discovery came as the Ross Fire was burning across Palo Pinto County. The sheriff’s office said the ongoing wildfire created operational challenges as investigators began working the case. A search warrant affidavit obtained by NBC 5 provides additional details about what investigators say happened in the hours before Adams was found. According to the affidavit, deputies found Adams partially submerged in the Brazos River with severe trauma to her face. Investigators wrote in the affidavit that they believed Adams suffered head and facial trauma, possibly from a gunshot. Investigators were led to a Mineral Wells home after Adams’ brother provided them with the last location he had for her through the Find My app, according to the affidavit. The location pointed investigators to the area of North Swanson Road, where Hatcher was staying. During an interview with a Texas Ranger, Hatcher said he had been fishing at Oaks Crossing the night before and met Adams there, according to the affidavit. Investigators said Hatcher told them the two spent time together in the river and later rode in Adams’ pickup to a gas station. Hatcher said he left the river sometime after midnight and returned before sunrise, but did not see Adams or her truck when he returned. The affidavit says a Ranger noticed what appeared to be a blood transfer stain on Hatcher’s jeans. During a search of a pickup at the Mineral Wells home, investigators found a backpack containing Adams’ journal. Investigators also wrote in the affidavit that they observed a small blood drop in the passenger seat of Hatcher’s truck that presumptively tested positive for blood, according to the affidavit. Investigators arrested Hatcher later that night on a capital murder charge. Less than two weeks later, Leah Adams’ family and friends returned to the water to celebrate the 32-year-old’s life. “There were so many flowers, we thought it would be fitting to come down to one of her favorite places and let the flowers go into the water,” her father, Troy Adams, said. “A flower release, a celebration of life.” Troy Adams said his daughter had recently moved to Mineral Wells and loved spending time near the water. She enjoyed kayaking and would visit the area to play guitar, write in her journal and search for rocks and arrowheads. “She was happy being herself,” he said. “She just liked the peacefulness of the water.” Troy Adams said he wants to see the person responsible for his daughter’s death receive the maximum punishment allowed by law. “She deserved life, and he viciously took her,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the trial.” Hatcher is charged with capital murder in Adams’ death. He is currently held in the Palo Pinto County Jail without bond. For now, Troy Adams said the family is focused on honoring Leah. “I’m kind of shell-shocked by all of this, and I’m just trying to make it through,” he said. “That’s what we’re all doing. But we’re putting our best foot forward for Leah.” ...read more read less