LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey delivered a forceful response after two young children were hospitalized with severe injuries and their parents were charged with abuse.
Humphrey called the alleged abuse “the lowest of the low” as he addressed the case involving 27‑year‑old Nicholas Shanks and 25‑year‑old Shelby Kuntz. The Louisville parents appeared in court Friday on multiple charges, including criminal abuse of a child and assault–domestic violence. Both are being held on $500,000 full cash bonds.
Police say the couple’s 2‑year‑old was taken to UofL Health Hospital on Thursday in full cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated.
Nicholas Shanks, 27, (left) and Shelby Kuntz, 25, (right) in court on Jan. 16, 2026 on two charges of assault-domestic violence, two counts of criminal abuse of a child 12 or under, two counts of wanton endangerment and two counts of endangering the welfare of a minor. (WDRB Images)
According to police, Shanks and Kuntz were the only people with the child and never called 911. Records show the child had a skull fracture and rib fractures, bruising across the body, missing teeth and was severely underweight. Hospital staff contacted Louisville Metro Police’s Special Victims Unit.
Humphrey expressed outrage at the injuries. “There’s a special place in hell for people like that,” he said.
When detectives went to the home to check on other children, they found a 1‑year‑old with additional severe injuries, including three possible skull fractures, a jawbone fracture and blood inside the skull.
Humphrey urged the public to take action when they see signs of abuse. “It’s imperative for family, friends, medical professionals, teachers — all of them — when they see the signs of abuse you need to report something,” he said. “Because the kid can’t protect themselves.”
Warning signs of child abuse
Child‑abuse prevention specialists echoed that message. Emily Valente with Norton Children’s Pediatric Protection Specialists said everyone in Kentucky is required to report suspected abuse. “You don’t have to be a teacher, you don’t have to be a health provider. Everyone is a mandatory reporter in the state of Kentucky,” she said.
Valente said patterned bruises or burns can be warning signs. “Any time you’re seeing a bruise or potentially a burn that looks like a pattern, that would also be a red flag,” she said. Bruising on the jaw, eyelids and cheeks can also indicate abuse in children four months and older.
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