Megan Boswell Murder Trial Updates: Mother Faces 19 Charges

A Tennessee mother is on trial for the murder of her daughter more than five years after the child was last seen alive.

Why It Matters

Megan Boswell, 23, is facing 19 charges, including first-degree murder, related to the death of 15-month-old Evelyn Mae Boswell.

What To Know

Opening statements in Megan's trial began on February 5.

Prosecutor Amber Massengill alleged that Megan killed her daughter by suffocating her, then placed her in a trash can.

"Her life wasn't just cut short," Massengill said. "It's not just a tragedy. Her life was violently ripped away from her."

Defense attorney Gene Scott argued that the state cannot prove how Evelyn died. He said she "absolutely lied to the police," but she did not kill her child.

"She doesn't want to get in trouble. It doesn't mean she murdered her child," Scott said.

The state rested its case on Wednesday. Witnesses called by the defense included forensic experts, law enforcement officials, Megan's friends and Evelyn's babysitter.

The defense rested its case on Wednesday. Megan chose not to testify, and the defense did not call any witnesses.

Who is Megan Boswell?

Megan was 18 when she was arrested in 2020. She has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

During the investigation, the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office claimed Megan "provided detectives and agents with a number of conflicting statements."

How to Watch Trial Live

The trial is being livestreamed on YouTube by Law & Crime and Court TV.

Who was Evelyn Boswell?

Evelyn was last seen alive in December 2019. She was reported missing in February 2020 by her grandfather, Tommy Boswell Sr.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation found Evelyn's remains in a shed belonging to Megan's grandfather.

Why is Megan Boswell on Trial?

Megan is charged with first-degree murder, two counts of felony murder, aggravated child abuse, aggravated child neglect, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, failure to report a death under suspicious, unusual or unnatural circumstances and 11 counts of false reports.

What People Are Saying

Massengill, in her opening statement: "Evelyn did not have to die. Evelyn could be here today. And so today, five years later, we are asking you to give justice to Evelyn Boswell."

Scott, addressing the jury in his opening statement: "Your job is to determine whether the state can prove beyond a reasonable doubt and to a moral certainty that she committed each and every element of the offenses charged. And you're not going to be able to do that. Their theories are absolutely inconsistent."

What Happens Next

Boswell is facing life imprisonment without the possibility of parole if convicted.

Do you have a story Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.