The Explosive Love Story of Teen Mom 2's Jenelle Evans and David Eason: A Timeline of Turmoil

Jenelle Evans and David Eason have faced various challenges throughout their relationship. They started dating in 2015, and two years later, they got married. Following their wedding in September 2017, they happily welcomed their daughter Ensley in January of the same year. It is worth mentioning that Evans is also a mother to her son Jace, whom she shares with her ex Andrew Lewis, and her son Kaiser, whom she shares with her ex Nathan Griffith.

Less than two years later, the couple decided to go their separate ways and Evans expressed her intention to file for divorce. The reason behind their turbulent separation was Eason's admission of killing their family dog, resulting in Evans temporarily losing custody of both Kaiser and Ensley. However, against all odds, the couple reconciled and made a commitment to give their marriage another chance in March 2020.

Reflecting on their reconciliation, Evans shared with Us in March 2021, "When I left him, I knew it wouldn't be easy to reunite. Although some may not understand, there have been far worse things in my life than giving my husband another chance and working through our issues. Personally, I was willing to give it a second try. When I returned home, I made it clear to David that if things didn't improve, we would separate and I would leave. I think he finally understood the gravity of the situation because he used to think it was just an empty threat until I actually left. So, he started taking my words seriously and paying more attention to what I was saying."

Scroll through for a timeline of Evans and Eason’s relationship:

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Teen Mom 2’s Jenelle Evans and David Eason’s Relationship Timeline 

Jenelle Evans and David Eason have experienced various challenges throughout their relationship. The former Teen Mom 2 star started dating Eason in 2015, almost two years before they got married. Not long after their wedding in September 2017, they had a daughter named Ensley in January. Additionally, Evans is a mother to Jace, her son from her past relationship with Andrew Lewis, and Kaiser, her son from her previous relationship with Nathan Griffith.

Less than two years later, the couple went their separate ways and Evans intended to file for divorce. Their tumultuous breakup occurred when Eason confessed to killing their family dog, causing Evans to temporarily lose custody of both Kaiser and Ensley. Despite the challenges, the couple eventually reconciled in March 2020, determined to give their marriage another chance.

“I decided to leave him, fully aware that returning to him would not be easy,” Evans recalled in a March 2021 interview with Us. “I understand that some people may not comprehend my decision, but I have experienced far worse things in my life than reuniting with my husband and attempting to work things out. Personally, I was ready to give it another try. When I came home, I made it clear to David that if our efforts failed, we would separate and I would leave. I believe he understood this because before, he may have perceived it as an empty threat, but this time I actually followed through. This made him realize that I was serious and he began to pay closer attention to my words and actions.”

Scroll through for a timeline of Evans and Eason's relationship:

Credit: Courtesy Jenelle Evans/Instagram

September 2015

After Jenelle split from her fiancé Nathan Griffith, she met David on Tinder. She introduced her followers to her new man in September 2015 with a sweet selfie.  

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August 2016

The MTV star, Jenelle, made a big announcement in August 2016 - she is expecting a baby! She expressed her excitement about soon introducing their baby girl, Ensley Jolie Eason, to the world. The little one is due to arrive on January 28th. Jenelle shared this joyful news alongside a photo from the couple's maternity photoshoot taken in a picturesque river, on her Instagram account. Their happiness knows no bounds! @uncledave01

Credit: Courtesy Jenelle Evans/Instagram

January 2017

Ensley was born on January 24, 2017. The pair both have two children from previous relationships. 

Credit: Jenelle Evans/Instagram

February 2017

David proposed to Jenelle in February 2017. "We've decided on forever! #PerfectTiming," she wrote on Instagram at the time. 

Credit: Courtesy Jenelle Evans/Instagram

March 2017

Before getting married, Jenelle and David decided to purchase a property in North Carolina together. Excited about their new venture, Jenelle expressed her anticipation for starting a new chapter with David and their family. Despite the challenges they faced, such as clearing land, being stung by bees, and developing blisters on their hands, they persevered. Finally, in March 2017, Jenelle excitedly shared with her fans on Instagram that their forever home had arrived.

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September 2017

The couple tied the knot at their residence in North Carolina on September 23, 2017. Just prior to their wedding, Jenelle shared with Us that their big day would be "laid-back" and styled with a "rustic Southern theme."

Credit: Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic

February 2018

David made headlines in February 2018 for homophobic tweets, which caused significant controversy. MTV promptly severed ties with him and halted the production of Teen Mom 2. A network spokesperson made it clear that David's personal comments were not in line with MTV's views. Their statement declared the immediate termination of their relationship as there were still six weeks of filming remaining for Teen Mom 2.

Credit: Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic

July 2018 

Amid the circulating rumors among fans, David allegedly jokingly revealed in a Facebook live video in July 2018 that Jenelle was "13 weeks" pregnant. Clarifying the situation, a spokesperson for the MTV star reassured us that David's statement was purely sarcastic, emphasizing that Jenelle had an IUD birth control in place and was unequivocally not expecting a baby at that time.

Credit: MTV

August 2018

Jenelle stood up for David despite the criticism he faced during the Teen Mom 2 reunion in season 8, which aired in August 2018. "He acknowledges that he should have expressed himself differently, but he remains firm in his beliefs," Jenelle clarified. "He simply doesn't want his children to grow up with those values. ... He will always love and cherish them, even though he may not agree with their lifestyle."

Credit: Gregory Pace/Shutterstock

October 2018

In October 2018, Jenelle made allegations against David for assault during a distressing 911 call. According to audio obtained by Radar Online, she tearfully expressed, "My husband, he just assaulted me... He forcefully pinned me to the ground in the yard, and I believe I heard my collarbone crack and I am unable to move my arms." She also asserted that David's violent actions were a result of his consumption of alcohol.

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October 2018

Jenelle referred to the incident as "a misinterpretation fueled by alcohol and excessive drama" when speaking to E! News on the same day the 911 call became public. She assured, "Our relationship remains strong and unaffected... presently, our priority is to disconnect from social media and dedicate quality time to ourselves and our loved ones."

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October 2018

Just a few hours after the incident made headlines, the couple decided to capture their evening out for dinner. David eagerly shared an engaging Instagram Story, showcasing Jenelle's radiant smile as she posed for the camera. Later, Eason took to Instagram, posting a photo along with the caption that they were now experiencing unprecedented happiness, and expressing gratitude towards those who had inquired about their well-being.

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December 2018

Jenelle responded in December 2018 to rumors suggesting that she and David had broken up because they no longer followed each other on Instagram. "Lmafo Married couples have disagreements but that doesn't mean they are 'splitting up.' #RUMORS," she stated on her Instagram Story. "My mom isn't even friends with me on social media.. why does social media determine someone's life?"

Credit: Bruce Glikas/Getty Images

February 2019

Rumors of a split started circulating when Jenelle updated her Facebook relationship status to "Separated" on February 16. Additionally, she shared a photo of herself with the caption "Single AF" accompanied by a shrug emoji. Nevertheless, an exclusive source informed us that while they may be experiencing conflict, they have not actually ended their relationship.

Credit: Courtesy of David Eason//Instagram

April 2019

David appeared to demonstrate that the pair were still on amicable terms after rumors of their separation by posting a provocative photograph of Jenelle on Instagram. "This is exactly what you would describe as ‘breathtaking in a bikini'!" he exclaimed alongside a snapshot of the MTV celebrity in a thong bathing suit. "My spouse is unequivocally the most exquisite woman I have ever laid eyes upon in my existence."

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April 2019

The couple's relationship took a downward turn after two months. According to a source, Evans and Eason had intense disagreements and the author of Read Between the Lines had become disillusioned with the relationship. Although she didn't address the state of her marriage publicly, Evans shared a cryptic message on Facebook that fueled speculation of a breakup: "Jenelle Eason is feeling devastated." In addition, the reality TV personality shared videos of Ariana Grande's breakup song "In My Head" on Facebook, accompanied by the caption, "Speak to me Ari."

Credit: Courtesy of Jenelle Evans/Instagram

May 2019

Yet another turbulent episode in the couple's already tumultuous relationship unfolded when Eason fatally shot Evans' dog named Nugget. He claimed that the dog had nipped at their daughter, Ensley. The incident was made public through Eason's Instagram, where he admitted to his actions and shared a video of the toddler. In his post, he expressed a disregard for any animal that poses a threat to his child's well-being, emphasizing his commitment to protecting his family at all costs. While Evans briefly left their farm with Ensley and her other son, Kaiser, during this time, she eventually returned home, suggesting a possible attempt at reconciling. Despite contemplating divorce, Evans later disclosed her efforts to mend their marriage and move forward.

Credit: Courtesy of Jenelle Evans/Instagram

May 2019

MTV severed all connections with Evans immediately following her husband's act of killing the French bulldog. "Since the news broke, David has been a constant source of support, reassuring me not to fret and encouraging me to maintain a positive mindset," Evans shared with Us during that period. In addition to the contentious demise of their dog, the couple also had their three children taken away from them.

Credit: Courtesy of Jenelle Evans/Instagram

June 2019

Jenelle and David made an appearance at North Carolina’s Columbus County Courthouse on June 4 with the aim of reclaiming custody of their children. Following Father’s Day, Jenelle shared a photograph depicting David embracing their 2-year-old daughter, Ensley.

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July 2019

Jenelle disclosed to We on July 2 that she had called 911 on her mother, Barbara, after learning from Jace that Barbara had locked Ensley in a bedroom.

The day after, the ex-reality star successfully obtained custody of her children. She expressed her joy and enthusiasm about this positive turn of events, stating that she was thrilled to make progress and prove herself as a responsible parent to the American public. (In May, the couple had lost custody due to David's fatal shooting of the family dog.) Jenelle also shared her plans to pursue full custody of Jace.

Credit: Courtesy Jenelle Evans/Instagram

July 2019

During an Instagram Q&A session on July 8, Evans provided an update on her relationship in light of the dog incident. When questioned about whether it was a difficult decision for her to remain with Eason, she candidly replied, "Honestly, yes. We experienced significant strain for nearly a week and our communication was minimal. He understands how deeply hurt I was by the incident. However, now that we are gradually moving past it, our bond has grown much stronger. It's worth noting that David has also completed anger management."

Credit: Courtesy Jenelle Evans/Instagram

August 2019

When asked if they wanted more kids, Evans wrote on her Instagram Story, "Nope. We are good with what we have lol."

Credit: Gregory Pace/Shutterstock

September 2019

According to Evans, things are going well for her and Eason after a challenging summer. They attended coparenting counseling and managed to overcome numerous obstacles together, handling each situation to the best of their abilities.

Credit: Gregory Pace/Shutterstock

October 2019

On October 31, after two years of marriage, the former MTV personality made an announcement about her split from Eason. She wrote on Instagram, "The kids and I have moved away from David. Nobody enters a marriage expecting it to end, but I believe it is the best decision for both myself and my children. Today, I have taken the first step by filing the necessary paperwork to begin the process." She expressed her gratitude for the support and concern she has received, assuring everyone that she and her kids are doing well. They simply require some quality time together, but will be back with updates soon.

Credit: YouTube

March 2020

In a YouTube Q&A uploaded in March 2020, Jenelle disclosed that she and David had chosen to reconcile and are proceeding cautiously. She clarified that she had relocated to North Carolina with her children and reassured viewers that David had never subjected her or the children to any form of abuse.

Credit: Courtesy Jenelle Evans/Instagram

March 2020

Eason shared an adorable beach snapshot with Evans, captioning it, “@jevans1219, you will forever hold the key to my heart. It brings me immense joy to witness our growing closeness and connection in recent times. Here's to an eternity of our unique version of isolation, blissful boat journeys, exhilarating ATV adventures, sustainable living, and more. I doubt we'll struggle with seclusion; we've already been embracing it for a while now.”

Credit: Gregory Pace/Shutterstock

March 2021

Evans expressed her newfound confidence in her marriage, stating, "Previously, I may have had some doubts, but now I am truly certain about our relationship. I firmly believe that this is a union meant to last, especially considering the recent extended periods of harmony we have experienced. It's truly wonderful."

Credit: Courtesy Jenelle Evans/Instagram

September 2021

"After enduring all the negativity, we have triumphed. I have never felt such immense joy, and I am grateful that we have reached a deeper level of comprehension with one another. Here's to our love and success," she exclaimed on Instagram, jubilantly commemorating their fourth anniversary.

Credit: Courtesy Jenelle Evans/Instagram

October 2021

The couple were all smiles during a pumpkin patch outing.

Credit: Courtesy Jenelle Evans/Instagram

January 2022

The twosome celebrated Ensley’s 5th birthday with a sweet family photo.

Credit: Courtesy of Jenelle Evans/Instagram

September 2022

During her guest appearance on Teen Mom: The Next Chapter, Evans provided an update on her current situation with Eason. "Our relationship has been quite tumultuous recently. It has been on and off," she revealed, expressing her frustration with his joblessness. "Everyone is aware of his unemployment. It's disheartening that I have been financially supporting everyone for years, and the situation remains unchanged!" The North Carolina native further explained, "It's truly challenging. I am reaching my limit. I have been distancing myself from him, hardly speaking to him. We communicate mainly through text messages now, even though he is just on the other side of my property, working in his shop."

Credit: Courtesy of Jenelle Evans/Instagram

December 2022

Amidst Evans' birthday celebration, it seemed like the couple was on the brink of breaking up. Evans expressed her frustration on her Instagram Story, demanding to know the whereabouts of @DAVIDEASON88 as her birthday approached midnight. Later, she shared a picture of her bare left hand, devoid of her wedding ring. In her emotional rant, she added, "I don't want to go into details, but please be aware that my birthday was completely ruined by a narcissistic jerk."

Credit: Courtesy of Jenelle Evans

March 2023

Jace was welcomed into their home on a permanent basis as Barbara handed custody back to Jenelle. In an exclusive statement at the time, Jenelle shared, "My mother agrees that it is the right time for Jace to reunite with his siblings and live with a mother and father. She also believes that it is crucial for Jace to have a father figure in his life to learn 'boy things' and engage in 'men talk'. She has witnessed how David parents my children and is confident in our ability to handle it."

Credit: Courtesy of Jenelle Evans/Instagram

August 2023

Evans' son, Jace, went missing five months after she regained custody of him. At the time, Evans explained that Jace had faced disciplinary issues at school, leading her and Eason to confiscate his phone. It is important to note that Evans firmly denied any connection between her tumultuous relationship and arguments with Eason and Jace's disappearance. Fortunately, Jace was located safe and unharmed later that same day.

Credit: Courtesy of Jenelle Evans/Instagram

September 2023

In late September, following another unsuccessful attempt in August, Jace once again fled from his home. A police report, which was made public in October 2023, revealed that Barbara informed the authorities about Jace's distressing phone call, where he alleged that he was "hiding" from Eason due to the stepfather's alleged abusive behavior.

Barbara reported that earlier in the evening, Jace called her from an unknown number and informed her about being attacked by David Eason. Jace mentioned that he fled the scene and is currently in hiding. In response, Jenelle tweeted that the situation should not solely focus on David and blamed her mother for providing false information to the police.