DILLON, Montana — A 28-year-old Montana woman has been charged with deliberate homicide after police discovered the decomposing body of her 2-year-old son inside their home earlier this month.
Nichole Lynn Boyer was arrested and booked into the Beaverhead County Jail on a $500,000 bond, according to court documents.
Authorities say Boyer called 911 on October 16 to report that her son — identified only as S.B. — had been sick for months and had died. When a Beaverhead County sheriff’s deputy arrived at the home on Main Street in Lima, Boyer allegedly told him, “Just take me to jail.”
Disturbing Scene Inside the Home
Investigators described the home as being in severe disrepair, filled with piles of trash, spoiled food, and animal feces. The child’s body was found upstairs on a pile of laundry and garbage, next to a mattress and covered by a sweatshirt Boyer claimed belonged to her.
The bedroom, according to the affidavit, was filthy and cluttered. Despite the cold weather — around 44°F that day — an air conditioning unit was running in the window.
Child’s Disabilities and Alleged Neglect
Court documents reveal that S.B. suffered from several medical conditions, including spina bifida, club feet, and hydrocephalus, which left him severely disabled and unable to walk.
Boyer initially told investigators she checked on him several times a day, bringing food and water, but later admitted she had stopped caring for him in September.
“I believe I should have done more,” Boyer allegedly told detectives. “My lack of not paying attention and prioritizing other things over him led to him dying.”
She reportedly said she left her son confined to a padded section of an upstairs bedroom, where she would leave food and water within reach so he could “army crawl” to it. Investigators said she stopped giving him water sometime in September and could not recall the last time he ate.
When questioned further, Boyer allegedly admitted she knew he had been dead for weeks but had “convinced herself he was still alive” before finally calling police.
Family Members Hadn’t Seen the Child in Weeks
Relatives told investigators they had not seen or heard from the boy since September 2023. Boyer’s mother said her daughter had recently made troubling statements, claiming she was “a horrible mother” and that she would “be going to jail for life,” according to court filings.
Authorities have since removed other children and an adult from the residence.
Boyer is scheduled to appear for her initial court hearing on Tuesday at 9 a.m.
If You Suspect Child Abuse
If you or someone you know suspects a child is being abused or neglected, resources are available:
- Utah Domestic Violence Coalition: 24-hour confidential hotline at 1-800-897-LINK (5465)
- Utah Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline: 1-855-323-DCFS (3237)
- Utah Division of Child and Family Services: Provides counseling, parenting classes, and family support — visit dcfs.utah.gov or call 801-538-4100
- The Christmas Box House: Offers emergency shelter and support for children; call 801-747-2201 (Salt Lake) or 801-866-0350 (Ogden)
