Mom cleared in son’s 1987 death still dealing with grief

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — A mom recently cleared in the strangulation death of her 6-year-old son 25 years ago said she hopes speaking out will give others hope and help her deal with her grief.

“The hurt still runs deep, obviously. No, I’m not through healing, but I am hoping that, in talking about it and giving other people hope, I’ll be able to work through this grief that I’m still dealing with after 25 years,” Elizabeth Watkins said Tuesday. They were her first public words since being cleared in the death of her son, Nicholas, on Jan. 23.

Nick, as he was also known, was found dead in a wooded ravine 150 yards from the family home on Feb. 21, 1987. The medical examiner originally ruled Nick’s death as a homicide by strangulation. Elizabeth was the only person police ever considered identified as a suspect during the cold case.

“It was torture in one respect. In another respect, I knew the truth in my heart that I had nothing to do with this,” Elizabeth said.

Everything changed 22 days ago, when deputies announced Nick’s cause of death was changed to strangulation by a dog attack. Specifically, investigators determined, a hooded sweatshirt cut off his windpipe.

Investigators came to the new conclusion after enhancing photos using modern technology. Investigators determined marks on the boy’s neck matched patterns seen on his clothing.

“It was not hard to hold my head up high, because I knew the truth that I would never harm my little boy,” Elizabeth said.

However, Elizabeth said she never got an apology from investigators.

“The sheriff’s department has made their choice of whether to apologize or not, and that’s fine. That’s their sin, and not mine,” Elizabeth said.

The anguish over Elizabeth’s suspected involvement caused her older son, Alex, to not speak with her. In the weeks since Elizabeth was cleared, that relationship has come back.

“I never knew things could be that great between us again,” Elizabeth said.

Elizabeth said she got through the ordeal with friends, a support group and, most importantly, her faith.

“Never give up hope, because you never know how God is going to work in that situation to make things better than you can ever imagine.”

A public vigil for Nick will take place Feb. 25 at 7194 Friendship-Ledford Road, near the site of the strangulation. Elizabeth held the first public vigil last year, and she said she had many private vigils over the years.