Adam Christopher Mayes was born on September 2, 1976. He lived in Whiteville, Tennessee, and was known to have a close relationship with the Bain family. He had a troubled past, including a history of domestic violence. In 2010, authorities investigated him for molesting a seven-year-old girl, but no charges were filed.

Mayes was married to Teresa Mayes, but their relationship was reportedly abusive. Despite his troubled background, he was considered a trusted family friend by the Bains. Some reports suggest that he believed he was the biological father of the two younger Bain daughters, Alexandria and Kyliyah, which may have fueled his actions.

On April 27, 2012, in Hardeman County, Tennessee, Adam Mayes went to the Bain family's home. That night, he murdered 31-year-old Jo Ann Bain and her 14-year-old daughter, Adrienne. After killing them, he kidnapped Alexandria, 12, and Kyliyah, 8.

Mayes and his wife, Teresa, transported the bodies of Jo Ann and Adrienne to Mississippi, where they buried them in his mother's backyard. He then went on the run with the two younger girls.

A nationwide manhunt followed. The FBI placed Mayes on their Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list on May 9, 2012. A day later, on May 10, authorities found him hiding in a wooded area near Alpine, Mississippi, with Alexandria and Kyliyah.

As officers moved in, Mayes pulled out a gun and shot himself. He died at the scene. Alexandria and Kyliyah were rescued alive but were weak and dehydrated after being held captive for nearly two weeks.

After Mayes' death, his wife, Teresa Mayes, admitted to helping in the crimes. She pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of especially aggravated kidnapping, receiving a 35-year prison sentence. His mother, Mary Mayes, also pleaded guilty to especially aggravated kidnapping and was sentenced to 13 and a half years in prison.