Holly Bobo, a young Tennessee nursing student who went missing in 2011, is believed to have been kidnapped and murdered, although investigators still have not said whether a body has been found or what the motive might have been for her abduction. 29-year old Zachary Adams was arraigned on Tuesday of aggravated kidnapping and first-degree murder, but has pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Adams was also charged with the aggravated assault of another woman last week, but continues to deny involvement in Bobo’s disappearance. Bobo went missing in April of 2011 after her brother said he saw someone dressed in camouflage lead her into a wooded area. Although investigators have not said what Adams’ connection is to Bobo, they have conducted searches on his property in recent weeks and it is believed that officials were worried about losing any more time in a case that is growing colder by the day.

“They may have concluded that they will never find a body and the case is not going to get any stronger,” Nashville attorney David Raybin said. “Witnesses die, and evidence evaporates. It could be that it was now or never.”

Country singer Whitney Duncan, Bobo’s cousin, has been vocal about the disappearance since it happened and has used social media to spread the word. Duncan was present at Adams’ arraignment on Tuesday and has been sharing memories of her cousin on Twitter.

The Bobo family released a statement this week, saying their hopes have been dashed but they will continue to try and find justice for Holly.

“In the recent days, it seems like everything has come against our hope and it seems that all our trust was shattered. We still have hope because of who our hope is in. Holly had that same hope and faith, because of Jesus Christ we will see her again. Jesus will provide us the strength and grace to see us through.”

Image via Twitter