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'Teen Mom' Star Jenelle Evans' Son Jace, 16, Moves Out Amid Family Drama
Jenelle Evans' family is navigating a difficult chapter.
The Teen Mom alum's 16-year-old son Jace Evans has been placed in a mental health facility after allegedly pulling a gun on his grandma Barbara Evans, Jenelle's representative confirmed to Entertainment Weekly.
Barbara—whom Jace had been living with—had called 911 after the Feb. 22 incident, the spokesperson confirmed, noting to the outlet that her family is still in search of the best facility "to meet his needs."
Seven Brunswick County police officers responded to an incident at Barbara's North Carolina home, which authorities described as a "troubled teen disturbance," according to the police report obtained by TMZ.
For Jenelle's part, her rep shared in a statement with E! News, "Out of respect for our client's family, we kindly ask that the media honor the privacy of her son. Jenelle remains focused on protecting her child's well-being and maintaining a safe, private environment for her family during this time."
E! News has reached out to the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office but has not yet heard back.
Although the former reality star—who shares Jace with ex Andrew Lewis—is currently residing in Las Vegas, Nevada, she previously lived in North Carolina as her eldest settled into his new normal after living with his dad in Florida.
"Jace, he's doing good, he's back at home, he's not living with his father," the 34-year-old told People in July. "He'll be starting 11th grade. And he's just been, you know, he's been getting into skateboarding recently, so that's his thing."
Jenelle—also mom to Kaiser Griffith, 11, with ex Nathan Griffith and Ensley Eason, 9, with ex David Eason—has struggled to parent Jace amid his mental health struggles, including his ADHD, major depressive disorder and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) diagnoses.
Instagram/Jenelle Evans
"Navigating Jace's different medical diagnoses has not been easy, but I have never stopped fighting to make sure he has the resources, love and support he needs," she shared on Instagram Stories in August. "I will always stand by him, no matter what challenges come our way, and I will continue to work on being the best mom I can be to all three of my kids."
And amid mounting criticism, Jenelle defended her parenting tactics regarding Jace.
"You guys can say all you want," she said in a May TikTok. "You can say I'm not taking care of my kids. Being a mother is doing the best interest for your child, and I am going the best interest for my child. Thank you."
As the Evans family moves forward, keep reading for a look back at Jenelle's life with her three kids.
Some Bunny Loves You
Jenelle Evans celebrated Easter 2023 with her kids Jace, Kaiser and Ensley, as well as then-husband David Eason and his daughter Maryssa.
Instagram/Jenelle Evans
Mama Knows Best
The Teen Mom alum was joined by her own mother, Barbara Evans, for a Mother's Day celebration in May 2023.
Instagram/Jenelle Evans
Snow Place Like Home
Jenelle hit the slopes with her kids and stepdaughter Maryssa.
Instagram/Jenelle Evans
Let's Swim
Jenelle and her son Jace, who she shares with ex Andrew Lewis, took a dip in the local lake.
Instagram/Jenelle Evans
Field Trip
Kaiser, whose dad is Jenelle's ex Nathan Griffith, enjoyed the day at the WonderWorks amusement park with mom.
Instagram/Jenelle Evans
Spooky Squad
For Halloween 2022, Ensley—who Jenelle shares with her ex David—dressed up as the titular heroine of the 2009 flick Coraline. Meanwhile, Kaiser went trick-or-treating as Freddy Krueger.
Instagram/Jenelle Evans
Family Vacation
The entire family—including Jenelle's mom Barbara and stepdaughter Maryssa—had a blast vacationing in Puerto Rico.
Instagram/Jenelle Evans
Forever Flock
Jenelle captioned this photo with her three kids, "All of momma's ducks in a row."
Instagram/Jenelle Evans
All Grown Up
"He's almost taller than me," Jenelle captioned this mother-son snap with Jace on Instagram. "#GrowingUp."
Instagram/Jenelle Evans
'Tis the Season
Jenelle rang in Christmas with Kaiser and Ensley in December 2022.
Instagram/Jenelle Evans
Birthday Girl
David and Jenelle celebrated Ensley's 6th birthday in January 2023,.
Instagram/Jenelle Evans
Fun Times
Jenelle took Kaiser and Ensley to Medieval Times.
Instagram/Jenelle Evans
Life's a Beach
Jenelle and David had some fun in the sun with the kids at the beach in August 2022.
Instagram/Jenelle Evans
A Special Place
In 2022, the family spent Fourth of July hiking North Carolina's Beacon Heights Trail, where David proposed to Jenelle back in 2016. The former MTV star wrote on Instagram, "So happy to share this view/experience with our kids!"
Instagram/Jenelle Evans
Like Mother, Like Daughter
"Wonder where she gets all her sass from," Jenelle joked of her look-alike daughter Ensley. "#Twinning."
Instagram/Jenelle Evans
Milestone Memories
"#HappyBirthday to Jace!" Jenelle wrote on Instagram in August 2023. "You're growing into a such polite young man. I'm happy as long as you're happy!"
Instagram/Jenelle Evans
Back to School
Jenelle sent her kids back to school in August 2023.
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