Louisville, KY, January 16, 2026
In a disturbing incident in Louisville, a couple was arrested after their two young children were hospitalized with severe injuries, prompting serious charges including child abuse. Police discovered extensive injuries on both children following a cardiac arrest incident. The investigation revealed alarming conditions at the family’s residence, leading to increased scrutiny of the parents and the welfare of the children.
Louisville, KY: Parents Arrested After Children Hospitalized with Severe Injuries
Louisville, KY – A troubling incident has unfolded in Louisville as a couple has been arrested after their two young children were hospitalized with multiple severe injuries. The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) took into custody 27-year-old Nicholas Shanks and 25-year-old Shelby Kuntz, charging them with serious offenses, including first-degree assault (domestic violence), first-degree criminal abuse of a child under 12, first-degree wanton endangerment, and endangering the welfare of a minor.
On January 15, 2026, LMPD responded to an alarming report of a 2-year-old child in full cardiac arrest at UofL Hospital Southwest. Notably, the child had been transported privately, and no 911 call had been made. After resuscitation efforts, the child was moved to Norton Children’s Hospital, where medical staff discovered an occipital skull fracture, missing teeth, healing rib fractures, extensive bruising, severe anemia, and elevated liver enzymes.
Details of the Incident
Further investigation led LMPD and Child Protective Services to the family’s residence to check on the welfare of additional children. There, they found a 1-year-old child displaying evident signs of trauma. This child, too, was taken to Norton Children’s Hospital, where doctors noted possible skull fractures, a potential jawbone fracture, probable internal bleeding, lacerations above both eyes, severe anemia, emaciation, and missing teeth.
Parental Statements and Additional Charges
During interrogations, Shanks and Kuntz claimed they had not allowed anyone else to interact with the children, asserting they were the sole caregivers. However, while being booked into Metro Corrections, Shanks was discovered in possession of methamphetamine, resulting in extra charges of possession of a controlled substance and promoting contraband.
Legal Proceedings
Both Shanks and Kuntz are set for arraignment on January 16, 2026, at 9 a.m. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding this disturbing case is ongoing, with authorities continuing to obtain further information.
Background Context
Child abuse incidents have been a significant issue in Louisville in recent years. Past cases have raised concerns over the safety and well-being of the youngest members of our community. For instance, in April 2021, a 9-day-old baby suffered multiple broken bones, resulting in the parents’ arrest, and in September 2023, a 22-day-old infant was injured, leading to similar charges against the parents. These troubling incidents highlight the ongoing struggle to combat child abuse within the community and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children.
Weather Information
As of January 16, 2026, Louisville is experiencing cloudy weather with a current temperature of 28°F (-2°C). Today’s forecast indicates breezy conditions and a high of 43°F (6°C) with a low of 29°F (-2°C).
FAQ
What charges have been filed against Nicholas Shanks and Shelby Kuntz?
They have been charged with first-degree assault (domestic violence), first-degree criminal abuse of a child under 12, first-degree wanton endangerment, and endangering the welfare of a minor.
What injuries did the children sustain?
The 2-year-old child had an occipital skull fracture, missing teeth, healing rib fractures, extensive bruising, severe anemia, and elevated liver enzymes. The 1-year-old child had three possible skull fractures, a possible jawbone fracture, probable internal bleeding, lacerations above both eyes, severe anemia, emaciation, and missing teeth.
What additional charges were brought against Shanks?
In addition to the charges related to child abuse, Shanks was found to have methamphetamine in his possession during booking, leading to charges of possession of a controlled substance and promoting contraband.
When is the arraignment for Shanks and Kuntz?
The arraignment is scheduled for January 16, 2026, at 9 a.m.
What is the current weather in Louisville, KY?
The current weather is cloudy with a temperature of 28°F (-2°C). The forecast for today is breezy and not as cold, with considerable cloudiness. The high temperature is expected to be 43°F (6°C), and the low is 29°F (-2°C).
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | January 15, 2026 |
| Arrested Individuals | Nicholas Shanks (27) and Shelby Kuntz (25) |
| Charges | First-degree assault (domestic violence), first-degree criminal abuse of a child under 12, first-degree wanton endangerment, endangering the welfare of a minor, possession of a controlled substance, promoting contraband |
| Children’s Injuries | 2-year-old: occipital skull fracture, missing teeth, healing rib fractures, extensive bruising, severe anemia, elevated liver enzymes; 1-year-old: three possible skull fractures, possible jawbone fracture, probable internal bleeding, lacerations above both eyes, severe anemia, emaciation, missing teeth |
| Arraignment Date | January 16, 2026, at 9 a.m. |
| Weather in Louisville, KY | Cloudy, 28°F (-2°C); high of 43°F (6°C), low of 29°F (-2°C) |
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