District Attorney Kirke Adams Speaks About Hostage Standoff

Dale and Geneva County District Attorney Kirke Adams was back at his Dale County office Tuesday. It's the first time he's seen his desk in a week. This time last Tuesday, Adams was called to the scene the child hostage standoff.

"When I arrived on the scene I realized we had a capital murder case and kidnapping and that was my focus for the first few days," said Adams. But his focus soon shifted to rescue mode. For six days Adams worked closely with law enforcement as they worked tirelessly to free five-year-old Ethan. The Midland City Elementary student was snatched from his Dale County School bus and held hostage in an underground bunker for nearly a week.

"Everybody on the scene felt the same way, poor Ethan. Somebody has to do something, but based on where Mr. Dykes was our hands were tied. It was a very tough situation, "continued Adams, He Adams said it was last Wednesday when he and other law enforcement agents realized that Ethan's rescue wouldn't be a quick process."There were times when it was very stressful. It was made apparent that this may be a long situation, but as things broke down in negotiation it was apparent it became aware something may happen. "

Something did happen on Monday after negotiators spotted a gun. FBI agents felt Ethan life was in danger and made a move to save him.  Adams said he was aware of the plan and describes the moments leading up to Ethan's rescue. "The opportunity arose and yes people on the scene knew it was about to happen. It was a very tense and emotional time.  I would say the scene was almost too quiet. It was real and something that maybe most people only see in a movie. It's something I hope I never have to go through again. Everyone was just praying for Ethan. People standing and still praying this operation worked and that Ethan would be safe," described Adams.

Now that Ethan is now safe and his abductor Jimmy Lee Dykes is dead, the district attorney still has a case to process. "Both the state and federal police agencies will provide a report to the district attorney's office for a review about what happened to Mr. Dykes and the question the district will have to answer is whether or not deadly force was necessary or justified," explained Adams.

Once the investigation report is complete the district attorney's office will be given the report and Adams will determine if the report should go to the grand jury. Adams said he's been on the scene most of the last seven days and knows that the right call was made by law enforcement.