Couple’s sextuplet tale a scam
But in the end, authorities in Grain Valley, Missouri, say Sarah and Kris Everson never had the sextuplets as claimed. All they had was what appears to be a big lie.
The couple’s dramatic story had holes in it from the start - from their mysterious withholding of information for more than a month to the unanimous response of area hospitals that they hadn’t helped deliver the newborns.
On Tuesday, authorities said the mystery had been solved. The entire tale was deemed a hoax aimed at tapping the generosity of others to pay the couple’s mounting bills.
Gary Bradley, the city administrator, said charges against the Eversons were forthcoming. Prosecutors had not yet determined how much the couple profited from the scam.
The Eversons - Sarah, 45, and Kris, 33 - claimed to have given birth to four boys and two girls on March 8. The babies were apparently in intensive care.
On Monday, a local newspaper The Examiner ran on its front page a photograph of the couple holding six one-piece baby outfits and announcing the births.
Those who heard the Eversons’ sad story of tight finances set up a website to solicit contributions - including a van, washer and dryer, cash and gift certificates.
Hours before admitting it was a scam, Sarah Everson showed an Associated Press reporter pictures of her in maternity clothes, of her baring a huge pregnant-looking midsection, and even sonogram images she claimed were of her infants.
Police interviewed the Eversons for about an hour, during which they revealed the story was a scam. They were released pending charges.
