Wendell Dwayne Nichols, a 50-year-old Caucasian male from Cantonment, FL, tragically lost his life on December 13, 2015. Nichols was found deceased on the living room couch of a residence on Jacks Branch Road, alongside Kim M. Boswell, a 46-year-old Caucasian female, who was found in a bedroom. Both victims had been shot to death. Nichols had been living with Boswell while recuperating from a recent injury and had been dating another woman for about two weeks at the time of his death.
The investigation into the deaths of Wendell Dwayne Nichols and Kim Boswell led to the arrest of Chad Mark Fontenot, a 45-year-old male. Fontenot was found at the scene and taken into custody without incident. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder. According to reports, Fontenot and Boswell were in a tumultuous relationship, characterized by frequent arguments and Fontenot's controlling behavior. On the day of the murders, Nichols had expressed frustration over the constant arguing between Boswell and Fontenot.
Fontenot's arrest followed a 911 call he made, reporting the shooting. Upon arrival, deputies found Fontenot in the garage, where a revolver with spent and unspent casings was also discovered. Fontenot initially cooperated with the deputies but requested a lawyer once at the Sheriff's Office, ending the interview. Nichols' girlfriend, who had spoken to him shortly before the incident, reported hearing a loud bang and a woman screaming before the call disconnected.
The case proceeded to court, where Fontenot was indicted on two counts of first-degree murder. Prosecutors sought the death penalty, but Fontenot ultimately pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The tragic deaths of Wendell Dwayne Nichols and Kim Boswell left a lasting impact on their families and the Cantonment community.
