Kim Maria Boswell, a 46-year-old woman from Cantonment, FL, was tragically found dead on December 13, 2015. She was discovered in her home on Jacks Branch Road, having been shot to death. Alongside her, Wendell Nichols, a 50-year-old man also from Cantonment, was found deceased on the living room couch. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene by responding deputies.
The investigation quickly led to the arrest of Chad Mark Fontenot, a 45-year-old man who was in a relationship with
Kim Boswell. Fontenot was found at the scene and taken into custody without incident. He was later indicted on two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of Kim Boswell and Wendell Nichols. According to reports, Fontenot and Boswell had a tumultuous relationship, characterized by frequent arguments and controlling behavior on Fontenot's part. On the day of the murders, Nichols had expressed frustration over the constant arguing between Boswell and Fontenot.
During the investigation, it was revealed that Nichols had been living with Boswell while recovering from an injury. On the evening of the murders, Nichols' girlfriend reported hearing a loud bang and a woman screaming during a phone call with Nichols, after which the call was abruptly disconnected. Attempts to reach both Nichols and Boswell were unsuccessful, leading to the discovery of their bodies later that night.
Fontenot initially cooperated with the authorities, admitting to the shootings and expressing willingness to cooperate. However, he requested a lawyer once at the Sheriff's Office, ending the interview. A revolver with four spent casings and five unspent casings was found in the garage, further implicating Fontenot in the crime.
In August 2016, Chad Mark Fontenot was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to the murders. The State Attorney's Office had initially sought the death penalty, but this was taken off the table as part of Fontenot's plea agreement. During the sentencing, Fontenot expressed deep remorse for his actions, apologizing to the families of the victims. The families of both Kim Boswell and Wendell Nichols shared their grief and loss, with Nichols' family members reading emotional letters in court.
The case highlighted the devastating impact of domestic violence and the tragic consequences it can have. Kim Maria Boswell's death, along with that of Wendell Nichols, remains a somber reminder of the importance of addressing and preventing such violence in relationships.
