Missing Since: November 5, 1990 from Natchitoches, Louisiana
Classification: Endangered Missing
Date of Birth: December 15, 1978
Age: 11 years old
Height and Weight: 5'0, 101 pounds
Distinguishing Characteristics: Caucasian female. Brown hair, brown eyes. Some accounts spell Evans's name "Avery."
Clothing/Jewelry Description: A black sweater, a blue denim vest and black jeans.
Details of Disappearance
Evans was last seen selling candy door-to-door on November 5, 1990 in Natchitoches, Louisiana. She was attempting to earn money for a school fundraiser at the time. She has never been heard from again.
Phillip DeSelle was one of Evans's neighbors in 1991 and had previously purchased candy from her. He was considered a suspect in her case from early on in the investigation, but the police did not have any evidence against him until January 1991, when DeSeelle sent an anonymous letter to authorities confessing to strangling Evans. The note said he disposed of her body in a trash bin and put her bicycle in Sibley Lake. In his letter, DeSelle apologised for his actions and described some of the clothing and jewelry Evans wore on the day of her disappearance. After it was discovered that he was the letter's author, DeSelle attempted to commit suicide by slashing his wrists, but survived. He was subsequently charged with first-degree murder. Evans's bicycle was located where he said it would be, but her remains were not located in spite of an extensive search of the local landfill.
DeSelle pleaded guilty to manslaughter and kidnapping in connection with Evans's case, and was sentenced to 50 years in prison. He will be eligible for parole in 2007. Prosecutors agreed to the plea bargain because, without the child's body, they did not believe they could prove a case of first-degree against DeSelle.
Evans has never been located, but foul play is suspected in her case due to the circumstances involved.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Natchitoches Police Department
318-352-8101
Charley Project
