Another deeply disturbing case has emerged from Louisville, one that has shaken medical professionals, law enforcement, and the community alike. At the center of it are two very young children—just one and two years old—whose bodies bore the unmistakable signs of prolonged, severe abuse. What authorities describe is not a single moment of violence, but an extended period of suffering that nearly ended both of their lives.
According to the Louisville Metro Police Department, the investigation began under the most urgent and alarming circumstances. A two-year-old child was brought by private vehicle to U of L Hospital Southwest, arriving in full cardiac arrest. Medical staff immediately recognized the gravity of the situation. Crucially, investigators later noted that no 911 call had been placed, despite the child’s critical condition.
Emergency physicians worked quickly, performing life-saving measures to resuscitate the toddler. After stabilizing the child, doctors made the decision to transfer them to Norton Children’s Hospital, a facility equipped to handle the most severe pediatric trauma cases. By that point, medical personnel were already deeply concerned that the injuries extended far beyond a single medical emergency.
Hospital staff documented a devastating list of injuries. The two-year-old was found to have multiple skull fractures, fractured ribs, missing teeth, and extensive bruising covering the body. Internal injuries were also present, along with severe anemia caused by blood loss. Laboratory tests revealed elevated markers suggesting damage to muscles, the liver, and possibly the pancreas. Perhaps most troubling of all were signs that pointed to extreme malnourishment, indicating long-term neglect in addition to physical trauma.
Medical professionals are mandated reporters, and the severity of the child’s condition immediately raised red flags. Hospital staff contacted authorities, triggering an urgent response from detectives and child protection workers. What they were seeing, they later indicated, did not resemble an accident or a sudden illness—it resembled prolonged and repeated harm.
Detectives with the Louisville Metro Police Department, accompanied by Child Protective Services, went to a residence in the 5500 block of Goldenrod Road to conduct a welfare check on other children who might be in the home. What they found inside only deepened the horror of the case.
Inside the residence was a one-year-old child, visibly injured. Officers immediately observed signs of trauma significant enough that they did not hesitate to call emergency medical services. The child was rushed by ambulance to Norton Children’s Hospital, where doctors began another round of emergency evaluations and imaging.
Medical findings for the one-year-old were again severe. Staff reported possible multiple skull fractures, a potential jaw fracture, and blood present inside the skull. Like the older child, this infant also suffered from severe anemia, believed to be the result of internal bleeding. Facial lacerations, dental trauma, and indicators of liver injury were documented. Physicians also noted signs of emaciation, reinforcing concerns that neglect had been ongoing rather than incidental.
Investigators later stated in arrest citations that Nick Shanks, 27, and Shelby Kuntz, 25, told authorities they were the only caregivers responsible for both children. According to police, this admission placed sole responsibility for the children’s well-being on the two adults now facing criminal charges.
The charges themselves reflect the seriousness of the allegations. According to reports from WHAS11, Shanks and Kuntz are charged with first-degree assault involving domestic violence, first-degree criminal abuse of a child 12 or under, first-degree wanton endangerment, and endangering the welfare of a minor. Each charge carries significant potential penalties under Kentucky law.
One of the most troubling aspects of the case, according to investigators, is the alleged failure to seek emergency medical care. Police allege that despite the obvious severity of the injuries—injuries that medical experts say would have caused extreme pain and visible distress—no immediate emergency call was made. Authorities contend that this delay may have placed both children at even greater risk of death.
Law enforcement officials have emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing. As detectives continue to piece together timelines, medical evidence, and prior conditions inside the home, questions remain about how long the alleged abuse and neglect may have continued before medical intervention finally occurred.
Adding to those concerns are online records and social media indicators suggesting there may be additional children connected to the household. At this time, authorities have not publicly confirmed details regarding other minors, stating only that all potential leads are being carefully reviewed to ensure no child is left unaccounted for or unprotected.
Both children remain under intensive medical care. While officials have not released updates on their current conditions, medical experts familiar with similar cases note that injuries of this magnitude often require long-term treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing monitoring for neurological, developmental, and emotional impacts.
Cases like this are especially difficult for first responders, doctors, and investigators, many of whom are parents themselves. Behind every clinical description—every fracture, every lab value—is a child who depended entirely on adults for safety, nourishment, and care.
Authorities stress that all charges are allegations, and that Nick Shanks and Shelby Kuntz are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. At the same time, the legal process now unfolding will seek to determine accountability for what happened inside that home.
For the broader community, the case has reopened painful conversations about child protection, mandatory reporting, and the responsibility of adults to act when a child is in danger. It is a reminder that the most vulnerable members of society often cannot speak for themselves.
As the investigation continues, many are left with a heavy sense of grief and disbelief. Two babies—one barely old enough to walk, the other just learning the world—endured injuries no child should ever experience. My heart hurts for these children. No child deserves this.