Country singer Spencer Hatcher's mother murdered in 'completely random' attack

Country singer Spencer Hatcher's mother was murdered by an armed intruder in the middle of the night.

Spencer, 28, shared his grief yesterday following the violent stabbing, which police described as an "apparently completely random" attack. He called his mum, Holly, "his biggest fan" in a hearbreaking tribute to the woman, who was a teacher in Harrisonburg, a city in Virginia.

Thanking fans for their support since the August 3 attack, the up-and-coming country artist said yesterday: "In what has really been the worst time of our life, you all sent so many loving comments and messages and made posts and everything. We did our best to read them, but I just want you all to know how appreciative we are and I am of you all.

"She was my biggest fan and my biggest supporter in everything that I did. She loved the music. She loved everything about it. She loved the music, she loved the shows. And, after a lot of thought and prayer and speaking to my label about continuing, you know, I 100% made the decision that I want to continue making music and bringing smiles to people's faces and being out on the stage and everything."

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Spencer cancelled three shows due to the death of his 62-year-old mother. These will be rescheduled, the singer confirmed. The sole suspect in the murder, Kevin Moses Walker, 41, allegedly stabbed the teacher with a large knife. He was then shot dead by Holly's husband Michael on the driveway of the property in Harrisonburg.

Despite the challenging time since, Spencer told fans he is determined to continue with the rest of his tour, and write new music. In a YouTube video, in which he addressed his fans, Spencer added: "I know that is what my mom would want me to do. She would want me to keep on, and I know how much she loved it, and I know how much y’all love it."

"I'm not gonna quit. I'm gonna keep on going and go as hard as I possibly can like I always have. I want you all to come along on this journey with me as I get back into it. I just appreciate you all and everything that you all have done for me and will continue to do for me."

The musician, who has more than 890,000 social media followers and 60 million views on YouTube and TikTok, has gigs lined up in Houston, Dallas, Savannah, and other cities. Spencer lists Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley among his musical influences.