“Remains of Murdered 5-Year-Old Logan Bowman Identified After Nearly Two Decades, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office Confirms”

Accident – death – Obituary News : CARROLL COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) – The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office has made a significant breakthrough in the case of missing 5-year-old Logan Bowman, who was tragically murdered almost twenty years ago. After an extensive investigation, the remains found in a trash can in a wooded area on Iron Ridge Road in Galax, Virginia in September 2022 have now been positively identified as those of Logan Nathaniel Bowman.

The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with Othran Inc., a Texas-based private company specializing in forensic-grade genome sequencing and forensic genetic genealogy, was able to develop a full DNA profile from the remains. This breakthrough allowed authorities to use genealogy and conduct DNA comparisons with family members, ultimately leading to the positive identification of Logan Bowman. This discovery brings closure to a case that has remained unsolved for nearly two decades.

Logan Bowman was just 5 years old when he went missing in the Grayson County area in January 2003. The search for him led to the arrest of his mother, Cynthia Davis, and her then-boyfriend, Dennis Shermerhorn, who were both charged in connection with Logan’s disappearance. Shermerhorn was later convicted of child neglect. In February 2023, Davis entered a guilty plea in Grayson County Circuit Court, admitting to two counts of child neglect and one count of homicide. Court records revealed that she received a sentence of 10 years for each count of child neglect, with suspended sentences, as well as a 30-year sentence for homicide, with 15 years suspended.

Logan’s father, Alvin “Wayne” Bowman, spoke to WXFR about his son’s disappearance. He last saw Logan when he dropped him off with Davis on Christmas Day 2002. Logan was reported missing from Galax the following month, in January 2003. Describing his son, Bowman said, “He was a good kid. He didn’t get into trouble, but he loved school and going to church. I had him in church all the time.” Bowman also mentioned that the church he attends has already prepared a gravestone for Logan’s proper burial.

After years of uncertainty, Alvin “Wayne” Bowman expressed relief at the positive identification of Logan’s remains. “It feels good. I can go on now, knowing where he’s at. I don’t have to worry about where he is. I know it hurts, but it’s going to be okay. We have to move on, and one day I will see him in heaven,” he said.

The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office has emphasized that the investigation into Logan Bowman’s murder remains ongoing. They anticipate new charges to be filed as they continue to gather evidence and build their case.

This breakthrough in the Logan Bowman case brings hope to other families with missing loved ones, showing that even after many years, justice can still be served. The use of advanced forensic techniques and genetic genealogy has proven to be a valuable tool in solving cold cases and bringing closure to grieving families. The positive identification of Logan’s remains serves as a reminder of the importance of never giving up on these cases and the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies in seeking justice for victims and their families.

As the investigation into Logan Bowman’s murder progresses, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office will continue to work diligently to ensure that those responsible for his tragic death are held accountable. The identification of Logan’s remains is a crucial step towards achieving justice and closure for his family..