BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said they have confirmed the remains of missing 15-month-old Evelyn Boswell were found two weeks after an AMBER Alert search was initiated.
"We have a sad update to pass along in our ongoing search for answers in the death of 15-month-old Evelyn Boswell. Remains found on Friday evening have been confirmed to be those of the little girl. Thank you for your continued support in this difficult case," the TBI tweeted.
According to the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office, the remains were found on a property at the 500 block of Muddy Creek Road in Blountville, Tennessee. Court documents stated they were found in an out-building of that property. Authorities said they received information that led them to the property Friday, which belonged to a family member of Evelyn's mother, 18-year-old Megan Boswell.
"This is not the update we had hoped to share. We would like to thank each of you for your support over the last two and a half weeks," Leslie Earhart with the TBI said.
Authorities held a short press conference about the tragic discovery Friday night at 11:15 p.m. at the Sullivan County Justice Center, saying the investigation into the death is in its early stages and there is much work to be done.
Evelyn Mae Boswell has been missing since early December 2019. The toddler was not reported missing until February 2020, which led to the TBI issuing an AMBER Alert into her disappearance.
Here is a timeline of the case:
Tuesday, February 18
- The Sullivan County Sheriff's Office received a referral from the State of Tennessee Department of Children Services
- Referral said certain family members had not seen Evelyn in approximately two months
- The referral came after Evelyn's grandfather, Tommy Boswell, Sr., reported his granddaughter missing
- At this time, Evelyn was last seen by family members on December 26
- Sullivan County Sheriff's Office immediately launched an investigation after receiving the report
Wednesday, February 19
- Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) issued an AMBER Alert for Evelyn Boswell at around 8 p.m.
Friday, February 21
- A gray 2007 BMW, with Tennessee license plate 3M9-6W9, is believed to be carrying suspects linked to the case
- Evelyn's grandmother Angela Boswell was arrested with boyfriend William McCloud in Wilkes County, North Carolina after being found in the gray BMW
- Both McCloud and Angela Boswell were charged with and arrested for theft of property
- Angela's court date is set for March 4
- Evelyn's mother, 18-year-old Megan Boswell, went on camera for the first time, claiming she knew who had the toddler. She later claimed it was Angela Boswell
- At this time, Megan also said in an interview with WCYB that she was pregnant again
Tuesday, February 25
- Megan Boswell was arrested and charged with one account of false reporting. Her bond is set at $25,000
- Her court date is set for March 2
- The Tennessee Department of Children's Services announced its own investigation involving Evelyn
Wednesday, February 26
- The Sullivan County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Megan is not actually pregnant
- The Wilkes County Sheriff's Office searched a pond in Wilkes County, North Carolina
- The search was inconclusive
Friday, February 28
- The TBI searched Lakeshore RV trailer park in Blountville, TN, near Boone Lake
- Over 700 tips related to the case have been submitted to the TBI
Monday, March 2
- A judge denies Megan Boswell's request to reduce her $25,000 bond. She is appointed an attorney in Bristol and has a new court date set for May 8
Wednesday, March 4
- Grandmother Angela Boswell and her boyfriend William McCloud appear in court for the theft charges. Both have bonded out of jail
- Angela Boswell is given a March 24 court date, the state asks for more time to bring in witnesses from North Carolina in McCloud's case
Friday, March 6
- The TBI announces it found remains believed to be of 15-month-old Evelyn Boswell in Blountville on a property belonging to a family member of Megan Boswell
- An autopsy begins to confirm the identity of the body and circumstances of death
Monday, March 9
- A judge raises mother Megan Boswell's bond to $150,000 after attorneys said she could be a flight risk
- The TBI said the child's remains were found in an outbuilding on the property with diapers and toys around the body, wearing the same clothes Evelyn was wearing when she was reported missing
Wednesday, March 11
- The Sullivan County DA announces autopsy results will be sealed due to large public interest in the case
- The TBI confirms the remains found Friday to be Evelyn Boswell