In late May 2017, the small town of Watumpka, Alabama, was shaken by the sudden disappearance of a mother and her teenage son.

Susan Lynn Osborne, 42, and her 14-year-old son Evan vanished without a trace, leaving behind a locked home and a community desperate for answers.

What unfolded in the days and weeks following their disappearance was a chilling tale of control, deception, and unanswered questions that continues to haunt those who knew them.

 

Susan was born on August 22, 1972, into a loving family in Michigan. She grew up with two brothers and a sister, enjoying a stable childhood characterized by strong family bonds.

After her marriage in 2005, she moved to Alabama, where her son Evan was born on June 25, 2002.

Unfortunately, Susan’s marriage did not last, and she found herself raising Evan alone.

Despite the challenges of single motherhood, Susan remained dedicated to her children, later having a daughter, Anna Grace, with another partner.

 

In 2013, Susan met Jerry Michael Osborne, a former U.S.Air Force airman whose troubled past included disciplinary issues and struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Their relationship quickly evolved, and within months, Susan and Evan moved in with Jerry.

They married in January 2014 in a private ceremony, but what seemed like a fresh start would soon unravel into a nightmare.

 

Initially, life on Waterview Drive appeared idyllic. Susan focused on her family while Jerry worked as an emergency dispatcher at a nearby military base.

However, as time passed, Jerry’s behavior began to change.

He started to isolate Susan, insisting she stay home and discouraging her from maintaining contact with friends and family.

What began as subtle requests turned into controlling demands, and Susan found herself increasingly dependent on Jerry.

 

Her once-vibrant social life dwindled as Jerry monitored her communications and limited her interactions.

Friends noticed a shift in Susan’s demeanor—she became more cautious and less open, often avoiding eye contact.

Despite his polite public persona, Jerry’s unpredictable behavior at home raised concerns.

He would disappear for days, leaving Susan anxious and unsure of his whereabouts.

 

The situation worsened when Susan discovered Jerry’s infidelity.

She found evidence of his secret relationship with another woman, Britney, and later uncovered a disturbing profile of Jerry on an adult escort website.

Realizing the extent of Jerry’s deception, Susan confided in her friend Holly, expressing her intent to file for divorce.

To create distance, she moved into a separate bedroom, but the tension in their home was palpable.

As the end of May approached, Susan was preparing for a trip to Florida to attend Holly’s wedding, planning to take Evan along.

On May 26, she visited her daughter Anna Grace, and everything seemed routine.

They exchanged casual conversations, with no indication of impending crisis. However, the following days would bring an abrupt and chilling change.

 

On Memorial Day, May 29, Susan and Evan were last seen. That evening, Holly sent a message to Susan, but there was no reply.

Concern began to mount when Susan failed to respond the next day, and her phone went straight to voicemail.

Family members tried to reach her, but all communication ceased. The silence was deafening.

 

On May 30, Anna Grace and her grandmother visited the house on Waterview Drive, only to encounter Jerry, who claimed that Susan and Evan had left him for another man.

His demeanor was agitated, and he refused to allow them inside. The alarm bells rang loud for those who knew Susan; she had never disappeared without warning.

As days turned into weeks with no sign of Susan and Evan, family members reported them missing on July 28, 2017.

The Elmore County Sheriff’s Office initiated a wellness check at their home, where they encountered Jerry, who presented a vague and inconsistent account of the events leading to their disappearance.

He claimed that Susan had packed up and left with Evan, but details about the supposed man waiting outside were murky at best.

 

Investigators quickly uncovered discrepancies in Jerry’s story. There was no digital footprint for Susan or Evan after May 30—no bank transactions, no social media activity, and no doctor visits for Evan’s health needs.

Alarmingly, Jerry had not even attempted to contact Susan’s family or file a formal missing persons report.

 

A search of their home revealed no signs of struggle, but investigators noted a troubling detail: Susan and Evan’s personal belongings were conspicuously absent.

The absence of clothing, documents, and everyday items suggested they had not left voluntarily.

 

As investigators delved deeper, Jerry’s actions raised further suspicions. He had begun renovations on the house shortly after their disappearance, repainting walls and replacing floors.

Neighbors reported hearing what sounded like gunshots on the night of May 29, and Jerry was seen burning something in his yard the following day.

His behavior, coupled with the disappearance of the family dogs, added to the growing list of red flags.

In early July, forensic investigations revealed biological stains in the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room, which matched Susan and Evan’s DNA.

This startling evidence contradicted Jerry’s claims that they had left unharmed.

Additionally, scent-tracking dogs showed interest in a utility shed on the property, but no physical evidence was found.

 

Despite the mounting circumstantial evidence against him, Jerry refused to cooperate with law enforcement, hiring legal counsel and invoking his right not to testify.

His silence, combined with his evasive behavior, painted a grim picture of a man who may have been hiding something far more sinister.

 

As the investigation continued, Jerry filed for divorce 37 days after Susan and Evan’s disappearance, claiming that Susan had left him.

He proceeded to sell their belongings and the house, despite it being the center of an active investigation.

This move raised further suspicions among investigators and family members, who believed he was attempting to erase any connection to the case.

 

Years have passed since that fateful day in May, and the case remains open, with no charges filed against Jerry.

The community of Watumpka continues to hold memorial vigils for Susan and Evan each year, keeping their memory alive and pressuring local authorities to seek justice.

While Jerry has not been officially implicated in their disappearance, he is widely regarded as the primary suspect.

The lack of physical evidence remains a significant barrier to prosecution, leaving Susan and Evan’s family in a state of uncertainty and grief.

 

The disappearance of Susan and Evan Osborne is a haunting reminder of the complexities surrounding domestic relationships and the potential for hidden dangers.

As their family continues to seek answers, they hold onto hope that one day the truth will emerge, bringing closure to a case that has captivated and troubled the community.

 

For now, the mystery of what happened on that fateful night remains unsolved, a chilling testament to the dark possibilities that can lie behind closed doors.

As the investigation continues, the fight for justice for Susan and Evan persists, with their loved ones determined to uncover the truth and ensure that their story is never forgotten.

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