SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. — The family of Evelyn Boswell released a statement thanking the community for their ongoing support after the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced that the remains found in East Tennessee last week were those of the missing 15-month-old.
The family released the following statement to WJHL:
“The immediate Boswell family ( excluding Angela Jones Boswell ) of Evelyn are in anguish and grief over their loss. It has been a very rough and trying time for everyone. At this time they do not want to speak publicly in regards to the tragedy. They are still trying to process what has happened. They ask for media and the public to respect their wishes. They need more time to grieve, privately.
The show of love and support does not go unnoticed. The family appreciates the prayers, memorials, and love that has been shown for Evelyn. In such a dark time, it shows there are loving people out there. All we want is justice for Evelyn and whoever is responsible to pay for the crime.
The family would also like everyone to know there has not been any fundraisers or donations for funeral arrangements approved by the Boswell Family. The Boswell Family would like to reach out to Ethan Perry and family to come together for all arrangements for sweet Evelyn. There has been a lot of hate, threats, and lies thrown at members of the family not involved in the disappearance of Evelyn. The family would like to keep the ceremony private for family and close friends, due to that. Please try to show respect to those that are grieving and experiencing a heartbreaking loss.
A special thank you to SCSO, TBI, and FBI for the endless hours and work being put in to bringing Evelyn the justice she deserves.”
On Wednesday, members of the community returned to memorials that have been set up for Evelyn Boswell. They left balloons, toys, candles, photos and other items meant to honor the little girl’s memory.
“We wanted to come out to show love and support…and we will miss her,” Payton Begley told WJHL.
“She didn’t deserve this,” added Lisa Hale. “She feels like a part of us…every one of us. So I want justice…and I want it served right.”
