Lost Boy Found: Virginia Wooded Area Yields Missing Child's Remains

Logan Bowman.Photo byCarroll County Sheriff's Office

The discovery of human remains in a wooded area of Carroll County, Virginia, has concluded a long-standing mystery regarding the disappearance of 5-year-old Logan Nathaniel Bowman, who went missing in 2003. Last year, the Carroll County Sheriff's Office revealed that the remains found along Iron Ridge Road in Galax belonged to Logan.

The identification of the remains was made possible with the assistance of Othram Inc., a specialized private company proficient in forensic genealogy analysis for solving cold cases nationwide. Othram developed a complete DNA profile, enabling the use of forensic genetic genealogy and conducting two direct DNA comparisons with family members, ultimately confirming the identity of the remains as Logan Nathaniel Bowman.

DNASolves.com, a division of Othram, revealed that Logan's remains were discovered within a trash can at the scene. Additionally, investigators found a sleeping bag, a white Winnie-the-Pooh blanket adorned with pink flowers, and a piece of cloth at the site. Examination indicated that the remains had been in that location for an extended duration, as stated by the sheriff's office.

Tragically, Logan's mother, Cynthia Davis, and her then-boyfriend, Dennis Schermerhorn, faced immediate legal action following Logan's disappearance. Davis admitted guilt to two counts of child neglect and one count of homicide related to Logan's disappearance. Her sentencing involved 20 years for the child neglect charges (with the sentence suspended) and 30 years for homicide (with 15 years suspended).

In parallel, Schermerhorn received a conviction for one count of child neglect and was sentenced to one year in jail. The sheriff's office indicated the likelihood of additional charges in the case as part of the ongoing investigation.

The identification of Logan's remains brings a sense of closure to a harrowing case that haunted the community for nearly two decades. While it is a tragic conclusion, the commitment of law enforcement and forensic specialists to resolve these cases serves as a testament to their dedication to seeking justice for those affected by such distressing incidents. As the investigation continues, authorities remain focused on unveiling the complete truth and ensuring accountability for all involved in Logan's disappearance and tragic demise.