An Iowa jury has found 26-year-old Sheyenne Shore guilty of first-degree murder and child endangerment in the death of her 7-month-old daughter, Xena — a case that has left the community shaken.
The infant was brought to Story County Medical Center on June 11, 2023, already unresponsive. Medical staff immediately noticed alarming signs — the baby was cold, stiff, and had fixed pupils. Despite efforts to save her, Xena was pronounced dead.
Doctors later documented severe injuries, including multiple bruises, a broken wrist, internal bleeding in the liver, and hemorrhaging in the eye. They also discovered older, healing fractures in both arms and a leg — indicating repeated trauma over time.
When questioned, Shore and the child’s father, 37-year-old Juan Montalvo Jr., told investigators the baby had hit her head on toys during tummy time. However, the medical examiner ruled the injuries inconsistent with an accident and classified the death as a homicide.
Investigators also uncovered evidence contradicting Shore’s statements. Surveillance footage and receipts showed she had left the apartment without the baby on the day of the incident, despite claiming she had not.
After the child’s death, both parents fled Iowa and were later arrested in California.
Montalvo pleaded guilty earlier this year to child endangerment and received a prison sentence of up to 10 years. Shore was convicted on April 2 and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 1.
Authorities say the case highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children and ensuring accountability when abuse is suspected.
