For the last year and nearly 3 months, our son, Zachary Thacker has been incarcerated in the Sumner County jail in Gallatin, TN and is being held without bond. He has been wrongfully charged and arrested with the death of his 3 month old twin son, Rob. On April 30, 2015, Rob suffered a seizure and quit breathing. Zach called 911 and when the first responder arrived, he attempted CPR but no to avail. The first responder had to radio for an ambulance 3 different times before one was sent out. Between the first call to 911 and Rob's arrival to the local hospital by ambulance, at least 45 minutes had passed. Resuscitation was achieved after Rob arrived at the local hospital and he was then air lifted to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. On May 4, 2015, after 5 days in the pediatric intensive care unit, Rob was removed from life support and became our angel.

Zach's charges are based solely on the opinion of one medical professional. Dr. Verena Brown, Vanderbilt's Child Abuse Specialist. There is absolutely no other evidence, physical or otherwise, to support these charges. Rob did not have a single mark or scratch on him. Medical records from both hospitals support this. After Zach's incarceration, Rob's twin brother Will has suffered from four seizures where he quit breathing during one of them. The first of these four seizures occurred almost six months after Zach was arrested. Zach's attorney, his fiancé, Bethany and our entire family believe that Rob's death was the result of medical issues that had went undetected. Zach loves his children dearly and would never do anything to hurt them.

We are asking that a reasonable bond be granted for Zach so he can provide support to his other two children and aide his attorney with his defense. These are both things he cannot do sitting in jail. His trial is scheduled for September 26 -30, 2016. However, it has been brought to our attention that his attorney has asked for a continuance as he is not ready for the scheduled trial.

By granting Zach a reasonable bond, you will be enabling him to assist in proving his innocence, ease the emotional hurt of his children Will and Riley and his fiancé caused by his absence, and ease the financial burden of his fiancé by assisting her with support for their children. Please help this still grieving family to bring some kind of healing. Thank you and may God bless you.