Left to right: Nicholas Shanks, Yvonne Shanks, Shelby Kuntz (Louisville Metro Department of Corrections)
In Kentucky, three family members, including the parents and grandmother of two severely injured infants, are facing grave child abuse charges described by authorities as deserving of a “special place in hell.”
Yvonne Shanks, aged 49, is currently charged with child abuse, domestic violence assault, and child endangerment, according to Jefferson County jail records. Her arrest occurred a day after her son, Nicholas Shanks, 27, faced similar charges, in addition to methamphetamine possession and promoting contraband. The children’s mother, 25-year-old Shelby Kuntz, also faces charges of child abuse, domestic violence assault, and child endangerment.
Local NBC affiliate WAVE reported that the first child was taken to the hospital in full cardiac arrest without a 911 call being made. Medical staff discovered the child had a skull fracture, several missing teeth, rib fractures, bruising, anemia due to blood loss, and indications of injuries to muscles, the pancreas, and the liver, as detailed by local Fox affiliate WDRB.
Following the hospitalization of the 2-year-old, investigators visited the family’s residence, where they encountered Yvonne Shanks and found another baby suffering from severe abuse.
WDRB reports that Yvonne Shanks’ arrest documentation reveals the discovery of a 1-year-old child on a bed in the master bedroom, showing “obvious signs of trauma.” This child was also taken to the hospital, where it was found to potentially have three skull fractures, a jawbone fracture, a liver injury, cuts above both eyes, at least one missing tooth, and severe anemia due to internal bleeding in the head, abdomen, and soft tissue.
Yvonne Shanks allegedly admitted to police that she observed numerous injuries on the child but did not contact emergency services or seek medical help. Nicholas Shanks and Shelby Kuntz reportedly informed authorities that they were the sole custodians of the children and that no one else had access to them.
After he was taken to the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections, Nicholas Shanks was searched, and several pieces of a “loose translucent crystal-like substance consistent with methamphetamine” were found, WAVE reported, citing a police report. The defendant reportedly told officers that the substance was rock salt for roads; a K-9, however, apparently indicated that the substance was drugs.
Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey called the alleged abuse at the hands of the parents “the lowest of the low,” WDRB reported.
“There’s a special place in hell for people like that,” he said, according to the report.
All three defendants have pleaded not guilty. They have a preliminary hearing scheduled for Jan. 26.
