Teen Mom 2 personality Jenelle Evans has publicly declared that she continues to hold primary physical custody of her sixteen-year-old son Jace, even though the teenager has not resided with her for several months. This announcement comes amidst a turbulent period for the family, with Jace currently receiving treatment at a mental health facility following a serious incident involving his grandmother.
Emergency Custody Motion Denied
On Wednesday, Barbara Evans, aged seventy-two, filed an emergency motion seeking custody of her grandson. However, the court promptly denied her request because she attended the emergency custody hearing without formally notifying Jenelle Evans or her legal representatives, as reported by Us Weekly. "My mom was denied her recent request for emergency custody," Jenelle Evans, a mother of three who recently showcased her post-pregnancy transformation, confirmed to the publication on Sunday. "I still have sole and physical custody of Jace."
Alarming Incident Leads to Hospitalization
The custody dispute follows a distressing event where Jace allegedly brandished a firearm at his grandmother Barbara Evans while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, according to TMZ. Sources indicate that Barbara placed a 911 call from her North Carolina residence on February 27th, resulting in Jace being involuntarily committed. The police report detailed that seven officers responded to the scene, described as a "troubled teen disturbance." Allegations suggest Jace had threatened both his own life and his grandmother's during the confrontation.
Family Conflict and Public Statements
Jenelle Evans expressed her frustration on social media platform X, posting: "Whoever thought the enemy is my own mother, sad AF. And to think the empathy I had for her all these months because of her health." This public outburst highlights the deepening rift within the family. Meanwhile, a representative for Evans provided a statement to the Daily Mail, emphasizing her dedication to her son's recovery. "The son is receiving the help he needs, and Jenelle has been dedicated to finding the best treatment and the right place to support his progress," the spokesperson said. "Her commitment and persistence in seeking the most effective care show how deeply she cares about her son's well-being and future."
Background of Family Turmoil
The current crisis is not an isolated incident. Last year, Jace publicly shared private text messages with his mother, accusing her of mistreatment and labeling her as "crazy." In one exchange, Jace stated, "I don't need you, you don't need me and I don't understand why ur doing this just because I'm telling you the truth, ur crazy." Jenelle Evans responded defensively, writing, "[You're] the one saying you're going to have my custody taken. F*** YOU." At the time, Evans explained to TMZ that the dispute stemmed from disciplinary actions, noting, "Jace posting our private texts was his reaction to being rightfully disciplined and while it hurts to see those moments shared publicly, I know it comes from a place of struggle."
Ongoing Legal Issues with Estranged Husband
Complicating matters further, Jenelle Evans' estranged husband, David Eason, faces serious legal charges. He was arrested in November 2023 for violating a domestic violence restraining order obtained by Evans and for trespassing on her North Carolina property. Court documents allege that Eason "willingly" harmed Jace, then fourteen, leaving visible marks on his neck and arm. Initially charged with misdemeanor child abuse, the case was escalated to felony assault by strangulation in January 2024. The active investigation could result in a prison sentence of up to thirty-nine months if Eason is convicted.
Current Family Dynamics
Jenelle Evans relocated to Las Vegas with her three children in late 2024, but Jace returned to North Carolina to live with his grandmother shortly after. Evans' other children include nine-year-old daughter Ensley, from her relationship with David Eason, and eleven-year-old son Kaiser, from a previous partnership with Nathan Griffith. The duration of Jace's stay at the mental health facility remains uncertain, as the family navigates this challenging period. The spokesperson for Evans concluded, "At this time, we respectfully ask for privacy for the family and Jenelle Evans. This is a personal matter, and space and understanding are appreciated as they focus on their well-being and time together."
