Logan Bowman’s Remains Found in Galax, Virginia: Investigation Update

In January 2003, the disappearance of 5-year-old Logan Bowman shocked Grayson County. Nearly two decades later, a breakthrough in the case has been made. On September 6, 2022, human remains were discovered in a wooded area on Iron Ridge Road in Galax, Virginia, according to a press release by the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.

Carroll County Sheriff Kevin Kemp stated that the investigation is still ongoing and it is too soon to determine charges. However, there have been significant developments in the case. The human remains found at the location had been there for an extended period, suggesting a long-standing mystery.

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WSLS 10 reported that the human remains were discovered by a male individual from out of town who had recently purchased the property. The remains were found in a trash bag. Carroll County Sheriff Kevin Kemp expressed his shock at the outcome, emphasizing the rarity and significance of the circumstances surrounding Logan Bowman’s case.

The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office collaborated with Othram Inc., a Texas-based company specializing in Forensic-Grade Genome Sequencing and Forensic Genetic Genealogy. Othram Inc. played a crucial role in identifying the human remains as belonging to Logan Bowman.

Through Forensic Genetic Genealogy and two direct DNA comparisons with family members, Othram Inc. was able to generate a complete DNA profile. Despite the degradation of the DNA due to the passage of time, the identification was successful. Dr. Kristen Mittelman, Chief Development Officer of Othram Inc., explained the significance of this achievement and the challenges they faced:

“We used forensics genome sequencing on the boy’s remains that were found. And they were found decades later, so you can imagine how much degradation was there. It’s hard to prosecute a murder if you don’t have a body because there’s always that doubt brought in.”

In 2003, Logan Bowman’s biological mother, Cynthia Davis, and her then-boyfriend, Dennis Schermerhorn, were charged by Grayson County in connection with Logan’s disappearance. While the charge of felony murder against Dennis Schermerhorn was dismissed in 2004 due to lack of evidence, Cynthia Davis was sentenced to 15 years for second-degree murder.

Carroll County Sheriff Kevin Kemp reassured the public that the investigation is ongoing and that they are committed to seeking justice. He urged people to understand that even though updates may not be frequent, work is continuously being done behind the scenes. The discovery of Logan Bowman’s remains is a significant step forward, and the authorities will do everything necessary to bring charges against those responsible.