A Kentucky family faces severe child abuse charges after two young children—a 2-year-old and an 11-month-old—were hospitalized with extensive injuries including skull fractures, rib fractures, liver damage, missing teeth, and severe anemia from blood loss. Police Chief Paul Humphrey described the case as warranting a “special place in hell” for the alleged perpetrators.
Defendants and Charges
Yvonne Shanks, 49, the grandmother, faces charges of complicity to assault-domestic violence, complicity criminal abuse of a child 12 or under, complicity wanton endangerment, and endangering the welfare of a minor; she admitted seeing injuries on the 1-year-old but failed to seek medical help. Her son, Nicholas Shanks, 27, and the children’s mother, Shelby Kuntz, 25, are charged with assault-domestic violence, criminal abuse of a child, wanton endangerment, and endangering the welfare of a minor, plus Nicholas faces methamphetamine possession after a substance was found on him during booking.
Incident Details
The 2-year-old arrived at a Louisville hospital in full cardiac arrest without a 911 call, prompting police to visit the home where they found the 1-year-old showing obvious trauma on a bed. Both children were rushed to Norton Children’s Hospital, revealing multiple fractures and internal injuries consistent with prolonged abuse. The parents claimed sole custody and no other contact with the children.
Court Status
All three defendants pleaded not guilty; Yvonne is held on $250,000 cash bond, while Nicholas and Shelby face $500,000 bonds each. A preliminary hearing is set for January 26, 2026, in Jefferson District Court.
