In a shocking development, human remains found in a wooded area in Carroll County, Virginia, have been identified as those belonging to Logan Nathaniel Bowman, a 5-year-old boy who went missing more than 20 years ago. The Carroll County Sheriff's Office made the announcement on Thursday, sharing the details of the remarkable breakthrough in this long-standing cold case.

The remains of Logan were discovered in September 2022 in the area of Iron Ridge Road in Galax, Virginia. It was determined that the remains had been at the location for an extended period of time, suggesting that the young boy had tragically lost his life soon after his disappearance in January 2003. The discovery of Logan's remains inside a trash can added another layer of horror to the already distressing case.

The identification of the remains was made possible with the assistance of Othram Inc., a private company specializing in forensic genealogy analysis. Othram was able to develop a full DNA profile from the remains, allowing for the use of Forensic Genetic Genealogy to compare the DNA with that of Logan's family members. Through two direct DNA comparisons, it was conclusively determined that the remains indeed belonged to Logan Nathaniel Bowman.

The gruesome scene where Logan's remains were found also yielded significant evidence. Alongside the remains, investigators discovered a sleeping bag, a white Winnie-the-Pooh blanket adorned with pink flowers, and a piece of cloth. These items serve as chilling reminders of the young boy's final moments and provide valuable clues for the ongoing investigation.

In a shocking twist, the authorities revealed that Logan's mother, Cynthia Davis, and her then-boyfriend, Dennis Schermerhorn, were arrested and charged shortly after the child's disappearance in 2003. Davis pled guilty to two counts of child neglect and one count of homicide in connection with Logan's disappearance. The court sentenced her to 20 years for the child neglect charges, with the sentence suspended, and 30 years for homicide, with 15 years suspended.

Schermerhorn, on the other hand, was convicted of one count of child neglect and received a one-year jail sentence. However, a judge dismissed a murder charge and an additional neglect charge against him. The shocking revelation of Logan's remains has now raised the possibility of further charges against both individuals involved in the case.

The Carroll County Sheriff's Office emphasized that the investigation is far from over, and additional charges are anticipated as they continue to gather evidence and build a comprehensive case against those responsible for the tragic fate that befell Logan Nathaniel Bowman. The community remains in shock as the details of this devastating case unfold, and there is hope that justice will finally be served for the young boy who was taken far too soon.