In a tragic turn of events, the remains of 15-month-old Evelyn Boswell were discovered in a shed next to her playhouse in Sullivan County, Tennessee, following a harrowing two-month search for the missing toddler. The announcement of the discovery marks a devastating conclusion to a case that has captivated and shocked the local community and the nation.
Evelyn, described by family and friends as a vibrant and happy child, was reported missing on February 18, 2020, after her grandfather contacted the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) expressing concern over not having seen her for over two months. The initial investigation revealed that her mother, Megan Boswell, had provided inconsistent accounts regarding her daughter’s whereabouts, leading to the involvement of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).
As the search intensified, an Amber Alert was issued, prompting an outpouring of support from the community. Churches and civic organizations rallied together to assist in the search, which involved extensive efforts from multiple law enforcement agencies. Despite these efforts, the whereabouts of Evelyn remained unknown, and her mother’s narratives continued to raise suspicions.
Megan Boswell’s shifting stories about Evelyn’s location deepened investigators’ concerns. Initially claiming she had dropped Evelyn off with the child’s father, Ethan Perry, Megan later changed her account, suggesting that her mother had taken the child. As the investigation progressed, it became increasingly evident that Megan was not forthcoming with information.
The investigation took a grim turn when, on March 6, 2020, Evelyn’s grandfather urged authorities to examine a storage building and playhouse previously owned by Megan. It was here that investigators made the heartbreaking discovery of Evelyn’s remains, confirming that they had transitioned from a missing persons case to a homicide investigation.
Following the identification of the remains, Megan Boswell was charged with 19 counts, including first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and child neglect. The prosecution argued that Evelyn had suffered a violent death at the hands of her mother, with evidence pointing to Megan’s fingerprints found on the foil that had been wrapped around the child’s face.
The trial began five years after Evelyn’s disappearance, with the prosecution presenting compelling evidence of Megan’s negligence and deceit. Testimonies highlighted the poor living conditions in Megan’s home and painted a picture of a mother who had failed to care for her child adequately. Medical examiners confirmed that the cause of death was homicide resulting from violent trauma.
After deliberating for just over four hours, the jury found Megan Boswell guilty on all counts. In a significant sentencing decision, she was sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 33 years without the possibility of parole. The verdict was met with an outpouring of grief and relief from the community, which had rallied around Evelyn during the search for her.
As the trial concluded, Megan maintained her innocence, asserting that she had not harmed her daughter. However, the overwhelming evidence against her and the heartbreaking nature of the case left little room for doubt about her culpability.
This tragic case serves as a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities of children and the critical role of family and community support. Evelyn Boswell’s life was cut short in a horrific manner, leaving a profound impact on her family, friends, and the broader community. As society grapples with the implications of this case, the memory of Evelyn—a joyful child who deserved a chance at life—will not be forgotten.
