Megan Boswell Murder Trial: Jury Begins Deliberations in Toddler’s Death

BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. — The jury in the high-profile murder trial of Megan Boswell resumed its deliberations on Thursday morning, following a day of closing arguments and juror instructions regarding the death of her 1-year-old daughter, Evelyn Boswell.

Deliberations began on Wednesday afternoon at approximately 3 p.m. after both the prosecution and defense rested their cases. Boswell opted not to testify during the trial, which has garnered significant media attention since the investigation commenced in February 2020.

On Wednesday, Judge Jim Goodwin delivered an extensive set of jury instructions detailing the charges against Boswell, with the most serious being first-degree murder. To secure a conviction on this count, jurors must find that Boswell unlawfully killed Evelyn, acted with intent to kill, and planned the murder in advance.

During closing arguments, Assistant District Attorney Amber Massengill emphasized the evidence supporting the claim that Evelyn was murdered, stating, “The evidence doesn’t support [the defense’s] theories.” She pointed to forensic findings and eyewitness testimony suggesting that Evelyn had been deliberately concealed in a trash can, wrapped in a blanket.

Massengill noted, “No other reason for this child to be dead existed,” referencing the conclusions drawn by medical examiners regarding the cause of death.

The defense, represented by attorney Gene Scott, countered the prosecution’s narrative by raising doubts about the evidence presented. Scott argued that there was no conclusive proof that Evelyn was alive when she was placed in the trash can. He suggested that the state had failed to establish a definitive cause of death, asserting that natural causes such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or a heart defect could not be ruled out.

Scott stated, “It’s not fair to say she murdered her child because she didn’t grieve right,” and emphasized that several witnesses had attested to Boswell being a capable and loving mother.

The jury also heard from various experts, including a forensic pathologist who spoke on the medical findings. Dr. Darinka Mileusnic-Polchan testified that both she and her colleagues had determined the cause of death to be homicide.

Judge Goodwin elaborated on other charges against Boswell, including child neglect and evidence tampering, instructing the jury that they could also consider lesser charges if they deemed it appropriate.

As the jury deliberates, the trial remains closely monitored, with updates provided to the public on air and online media platforms.

The case has captured statewide attention since the investigation began with an Amber Alert. Evelyn’s remains were discovered weeks later, heightening public interest and scrutiny into Boswell’s behavior and the circumstances surrounding her child’s death.

Judgment on Boswell’s fate is expected to be reached soon, as the jury navigates the complex evidence and emotional testimonies presented over the past week.