LOUISVILLE, KY — A Kentucky trio — the parents of two severely injured babies and the children’s grandmother — are facing serious charges of child abuse, domestic violence, and child endangerment after both children were found suffering from severe trauma. Police have described the alleged abuse as deserving of “a special place in hell.”
The Charges and Arrests
Yvonne Shanks, 49, was arrested and charged with child abuse, domestic violence assault, and child endangerment. Her son, Nicholas Shanks, 27, faces the same charges, along with possession of methamphetamine and promoting contraband. The 2-year-old’s mother, Shelby Kuntz, 25, was also charged with child abuse, domestic violence assault, and child endangerment.
The charges stem from an incident involving their 2-year-old child, who was rushed to the hospital in full cardiac arrest. Hospital workers discovered multiple injuries, including a skull fracture, missing teeth, rib fractures, bruising, anemia from blood loss, and injuries to the pancreas, liver, and muscles. Investigators later determined that 911 was never called during the crisis.
The Discovery of Additional Abuse
After the 2-year-old was taken to the hospital, authorities investigated the home where the children were living. There, they found Yvonne Shanks with another severely abused child — a 1-year-old who showed signs of multiple injuries, including possible skull fractures, cuts above both eyes, a fractured jaw, and severe internal bleeding. The child was also suffering from severe anemia.
Yvonne Shanks reportedly told police that she had seen the injuries but did not seek medical attention or call for help. Nicholas Shanks and Shelby Kuntz told authorities that they were the only people who had custody of the children and claimed that no one else had been around them.
Methamphetamine Found During Search
In addition to the abuse charges, Nicholas Shanks was found with methamphetamine in his possession after being taken into custody. During his search at the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections, officers discovered a translucent, crystal-like substance consistent with methamphetamine. Although Shanks initially claimed it was rock salt, a K-9 reportedly indicated that the substance was illegal drugs.
Law Enforcement Response
Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey condemned the actions of the parents, calling the abuse “the lowest of the low” and adding, “There’s a special place in hell for people like that.”
Legal Proceedings
All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges. A preliminary hearing for January 26, 2025 has been scheduled to begin the legal proceedings.
