Megan Boswell: A Case of Maternal Infanticide

Megan Boswell: A Case of Maternal Infanticide

Introduction

Megan Boswell, a 19-year-old Tennessee woman, made national headlines in 2020 after being charged with the murder of her newborn daughter, Evelyn Boswell. The case has sparked outrage and debate, raising questions about maternal mental health, infanticide, and the legal system’s treatment of women.

Background

Megan Boswell was a college student at the University of Tennessee at Martin when she gave birth to Evelyn on April 15, 2020. She allegedly concealed her pregnancy and gave birth in her dorm room without seeking medical assistance. According to prosecutors, she then placed the baby in a plastic bag and discarded it in a dumpster.

Discovery and Investigation

Evelyn’s body was discovered in a dumpster behind the dorm on April 17, 2020. Police launched an investigation and quickly identified Boswell as a suspect. She was arrested on April 18 and charged with first-degree murder.

Trial and Conviction

Boswell’s trial began in July 2022. Prosecutors presented evidence that she had concealed her pregnancy, given birth alone, and disposed of the baby in a cruel and inhumane manner. The defense argued that Boswell was suffering from postpartum psychosis and was not responsible for her actions.

On July 28, 2022, a jury found Boswell guilty of first-degree murder. She was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum psychosis is a rare but severe mental illness that can occur after childbirth. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and mood swings. It can lead to dangerous behavior, including harm to the mother or child.

Boswell’s defense attorneys argued that she was experiencing postpartum psychosis at the time of the crime. They presented expert testimony from a psychiatrist who diagnosed her with the condition. However, the jury ultimately rejected this defense.

Legal Issues

The case of Megan Boswell has raised complex legal issues. One issue is the definition of infanticide. In Tennessee, infanticide is defined as the killing of a child under the age of one year by the mother. It is typically treated as a lesser offense than murder, with a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

However, in Boswell’s case, prosecutors charged her with first-degree murder, which carries a life sentence. This decision has been criticized by some legal experts who argue that it is too harsh and does not take into account the unique circumstances of maternal infanticide.

Public Reaction

The case of Megan Boswell has sparked outrage and debate among the public. Some people believe that she deserves a life sentence for her actions, while others feel that she should have been treated more leniently due to her mental health condition.

The case has also raised awareness of postpartum psychosis and the importance of providing support for new mothers.

Conclusion

The case of Megan Boswell is a tragic and complex one. It highlights the challenges of maternal mental health, the legal complexities of infanticide, and the need for a compassionate and just response to these issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is infanticide?
  Infanticide is the killing of a child under the age of one year by the mother.
• What is postpartum psychosis?
  Postpartum psychosis is a rare but severe mental illness that can occur after childbirth. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and mood swings.
• Was Megan Boswell found guilty?
  Yes, Megan Boswell was found guilty of first-degree murder in July 2022.
• What was Megan Boswell’s sentence?
  Megan Boswell was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
• Is there a debate about the legal treatment of maternal infanticide?
  Yes, there is a debate about the legal treatment of maternal infanticide. Some legal experts argue that it should be treated as a lesser offense than murder, while others believe that it should be punished more severely.